Deputy Nursing Officer in Murang'a County, Ms Lucy Mburu said the County government was working closely with DKL in the improvement of health services.
"We need more partnerships with local investors led by Delmonte to serve the community effectively," said Ms Mburu who represented the County's Director of Health Services Dr James Mburu.
Alfred Wanyoike, Kiambu National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman lauded the gesture by DKL calling on businesspersons in Murang'a and Kiambu counties to emulate DKL and support similar ventures within their regions.
"Since Delmonte operates in two counties there is a need for the traders and companies to come together, and facilitate programmes for the community," said Mr Wanyoike.
Head of health care services in DKL, Isaac Mbugua said the medical camp had different specialists who included: diabetes and hypertension, ENT, Paediatrician, General Physician, Nutrition, Dentist, Ophthalmology, Cancer, Counselling Centre for Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Salim Mwangi, a youth, said the partnership between DKL and the community has reduced the perennial conflict and tension associated with pineapple theft.
Mwangi, a father of three, said 10 years ago, pineapple theft was the order of the day, as the plantations turned to battlefields.
"Anti-social behavior is now a thing of the past with the youth instead seeking employment from the company," said Mwangi, a resident of Nguthuru who attended the medical camp.
"We appreciate Del Monte for bringing these critical health services to the people of this area. The screening services and treatments will benefit our people especially women and children who are the most disadvantaged and are not able to easily access them due to poverty and inadequate health facilities serving this area," emphasized Makuyu area chief Issac Mwoce.
Cook explained that "Delmonte recognizes the centrality of communities to its operations which is also underpinned within our corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy. This free medical camp is part of our continuous CSR strategy that is in line with our core values as a company that cares for its communities."
Delmonte has sponsored similar medical camps in the Thika and Murang'a areas over the last few years such as Ndula, Kandara, Matunda, Makenji, Swani, and Ng'araria reaching over 3,000 people.
Other partners who have been supporting the Del Monte Kenya Limited initiative include JKUAT, Ganesh, Ministry of Health Muranga, NHIF, Minet Insurance, Shalina Health Care, Central Memorial Hospital, Furaha Chemist, Cascade, Metro Trans, among others.
Written By Boniface Gikandi