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In a move to improve health services at our Epilepsy clinics, KAWE has launched its second fully operative clinic at the Karen Health centre. Previously, the clinic was operating within the health centre’s premises but now will have its own secluded and self sufficient area within the grounds, this is with support from Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF).

Among the speakers were Dr Sahra Mohammed (Ministry of Health Langata Sub-County), Mr Greg Miyanga (County Partnership Coordinator-Health services), Dr Owiti representing Dr Mahat J Mohammed (Chief Officer of Health services), Ms Stella Chege (KCDF), Mr Dennis Moturi (National Council for The Persons with Disabilities), Ms Mary Kinyanjui (In Charge of Karen Health Centre facility ) Mr Kitonyo (a Community Health Workers’ representative, Langata) and KAWE’s member of the Board Mr K’Anjejo.

As an introduction, Dr Mohammed talked about the goals that the Sub county health department was putting in place in terms of surveillance, health and education, support of the Beyond zero campaign, TB patient coordination and follow up. She mentioned the fact that some programmes had been stalled at the health centre due to lack of space.

Mr K’Anjejo next gave a brief of the existing epilepsy education gap which is the reason why in spite of the 5000 patients registered at the Karen clinic, only 2000 are active.

KAWE has continued to counter this through continued health operators’ training, in order to garner support in the case of defaulting patients. He raised the question of the best mode of assistance that can be accorded to people living with epilepsy. Is it by giving them jobs?

He thanked the Nairobi County for provision of the grounds and had a request that just as funds are being allocated into other illnesses, the same be done for epilepsy.

On behalf of KAWE he thanked the NCWPD for the partnership in registration of people with epilepsy and brought up the point of the need to adjust assessment practices.

“A person with epilepsy may look as normal as the next person, so please consider that.”

Mr Miyanga spoke about the different types of epilepsy and the need for parents to be very observant of their children.

“The widely known type of epilepsy is status epilepticus which in most cases is as a result of mismanagement.”

He also challenged the Kenyan public to do more to help epilepsy patients, “ there is no point of just staring at the person or recording a video to post on social media, help the person.”

“Each one must do something worthwhile on earth before going to the grave.” He said.

To KAWE, he exhorted them to ensure the anti- convulsants are available at the health centre so they can be accessible even on non-clinic days.

Dr Owiti spoke on the need for health centres to focus on the vulnerable people in the society.

He called on partners to support the epilepsy mandate along with a bill that will support the people on the ground, that is the Community Health Volunteers through provision of a monthly stipend.

Mr Moturi spoke on the need for the media to pick up real stories such as this one, on the availability of weekly epilepsy clinics, of success stories of people with epilepsy patients.

He called on Community Based Organizations (CBO’s), faith based organizations and individuals.

“The fact is, international donors are pulling out, they know we can pull our weight. You don’t have to give much because even giving a person with epilepsy some cash for his bus fare to the clinic or some lunch money makes you a donor.”

Ms Kinyanjui led the ribbon cutting and the revealing of the brand new facility.

Looking forward to other great events such as these.