The County Government of Uasin Gishu has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare services by increasing investment in nursing personnel, modern health infrastructure, and staff welfare initiatives to improve healthcare access and quality for residents.

Speaking during the climax of the International Nurses Week celebrations, Deputy Governor H.E Evans Kapkea, representing Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, delivered the county leadership’s message to healthcare workers, county officials, and guests gathered to honour nurses for their indispensable contribution to healthcare delivery.

In the governor’s message, nurses were described as the “heartbeat of the healthcare system,” in recognition of their compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication in serving patients across the county’s 138 health facilities.

“They are the comforting voice during moments of pain, the reassuring presence in times of uncertainty, and the quiet strength behind recovery and healing,” the governor stated in remarks delivered by the deputy governor.

The county administration used the occasion to highlight ongoing efforts to transform healthcare delivery through major infrastructure investments, including the completion of Kesses Level Four Hospital, the establishment of a modern diagnostic centre in Eldoret, and the construction of new health facilities in Moiben, Tiret, and Ziwa.

The projects are expected to ease congestion in existing hospitals while creating improved working environments for healthcare personnel.

The Deputy Governor further revealed that the county currently has 751 nurses serving in public health facilities. Over the past two years, the county has recruited more than 100 nurses on both permanent and contractual terms to address staffing shortages and enhance service delivery.

To further motivate healthcare workers and support career growth, 32 nurses were promoted last year, with the county government pledging additional promotions in the next financial year.

The deputy governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving staff welfare, expanding primary healthcare services, and enhancing professional development through continuous training.

He also challenged nurses to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and integrity while encouraging young people to pursue nursing as a noble and impactful profession.

Quoting modern nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, the deputy governor reminded nurses that their profession demands dedication and devotion comparable to great artistry.

The celebrations brought together nurses and healthcare professionals from across the county in recognition of their central role in sustaining healthcare delivery and advancing the county’s broader health transformation agenda.

County Secretary Philip Meli urged healthcare workers to take performance appraisals seriously and maintain high standards of service delivery, noting that the establishment of new facilities in areas such as Ziwa and Kesses makes accountability and quality healthcare even more critical.

Health Services County Executive Janet Kurgat praised nurses for their unwavering dedication, describing them as “comforting voices in moments of fear, caring hearts that bring healing, and a source of hope for patients and families.”

“Many people may never fully understand the long hours, emotional strength, and sacrifices nurses make every day, but today we pause to say thank you,” she said.

Julius Sang, the Majority Leader of the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, pledged the Assembly’s support for Governor Bii’s second pillar under the Nguzo Kumi development blueprint, emphasizing the critical role nurses play in strengthening the healthcare system.

He further called for stronger collaboration between healthcare workers and Members of the County Assembly in implementing health projects across the county.

Among those present at the event were the Chief Executive Officer of the Uasin Gishu County Public Service Board, CPA Sila Rono, Chief Officers Ambrose Tarus and Dr. Paul Wangwe, departmental directors, and other county leaders.