Murang'a health, youth programmes shortlisted for continental award

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kanga’ta (right) during the launch of Kang’ataCare programme. [File, Standard]

Two programmes initiated by the Murang’a county government to improve the living standards of the residents have been shortlisted for the African Continent award.

African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) 2024 has identified KangátaCare and Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) for their innovation in public service. 

The initiative by Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s administration has been recognised as the most innovative and life-changing project implemented by governments across the continent. 

Free health care initiative, KangátaCare, listed 38,000 households with 160,000 people while the Murang’a Youth Service has been shortlisted for the AAPAM 2024 to be held in Kampala, Uganda. 

These initiatives have been recognised for their contribution to healthcare and youth empowerment.  

 The 43-round table conference will be held between November 26 and November 29 in Kampala.

 Murang’a County Health CEC Fredrick Mbugua said 16 government agencies on the continent will participate after they were nominated for the awards.

 He said it is an honor for Murang’a county government to recognised in the innovation category.

“For many families, it’s a safety net ensuring they receive comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care in both public and private facilities,” said Dr Mbugua. 

 Youth CEC Noah Gachucha said the MYS programme provides employment opportunities to 1,050 youth after they are engaged by the government for two months in cleaning the towns and market centres.

“After they are through with stage one of the programme, they pursue technical courses and the successful applicants are provided with a Sh15,000 grant to start their business,” said Gachucha.