Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has unveiled the Barasa Care Program, an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing maternal and child health services across the county. The program is budgeted at KShs 80 million for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Speaking at the launch event, Governor Barasa highlighted the program’s objectives, which include ensuring that mothers attend all antenatal care clinics, deliver safely at county health facilities, receive quality postnatal care, and that babies receive all required vaccinations.
Under the Barasa Care Program, mothers from the county’s 12 constituencies will receive a total of KSh 12,000, distributed across six visits from pregnancy to postnatal care. This financial support is designed to improve the delivery of maternal and child health services throughout Kakamega County.
Governor Barasa emphasized the critical role of the program in addressing the healthcare needs of mothers and children. “The Barasa Care Program is a significant step towards ensuring that our mothers and babies receive the care they deserve. By supporting them financially throughout their pregnancy and postnatal periods, we are promoting better health outcomes and safer deliveries,” he said.
The KSh 12,000 stipend will be disbursed in increments, aligned with key healthcare milestones. This structure is intended to incentivize mothers to attend all necessary healthcare appointments and follow recommended medical advice.
Governor Barasa further noted that the initiative aims to remove financial and social barriers to accessing healthcare services. “This program is about more than just financial support; it is about empowering our mothers to seek the care they need without fear of financial burden,” he added.
The launch of the Barasa Care Program marks a major investment in the health and well-being of Kakamega County’s residents, reflecting the county government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services.
As the program rolls out, it is expected to have a transformative impact on maternal and child health, reducing mortality rates and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services in Kakamega County.
