SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY MARGARET KENYATTA

FIRST LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING

THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY OF THE 46TH FULLY
KITTED BEYOND ZERO MOBILE CLINIC TO
MURANGA COUNTY AT IHUURA STADIUM ON
AUGUST 17TH, 2016.
Andu a Muranga Muriega! Ngeithi nyingi kuuma kuri
President witu.
I am so delighted to be back in Muranga County.
Thank you Governor Mwangi wa Iria, and the people of
Muranga for making me feel right at home. Truly, this is an
exciting county, bursting with potential, the home of
boundless beauty and an abundance of agricultural
resources. I am especially impressed by the growth of the
dairy industry here.
There is so much hope for our youth in this County. During
my last visit, I was excited to participate in the dynamic
education and mentorship initiative for our children. I
know that the combination of youthfulness and poverty
present complex issues for our adolescents, and so I am
pleased to hear about the Kaa Sober initiative to assist our
youth rebuild their lives and fully participate in the
Countys development.
There are a range of other challenges which we are not
here to elaborate on, but which many of you are all aware
of. But let me say this: having now been to all counties in
this Country, and to several countries across the world, I
can tell you that challenges are common place. They are
everywhere. But challenges are only a permanent problem
where leadership is lacking.
So, when I see the leadership that the Governor, the
County Government and the community leaders are
offering, I become hopeful for the future of Muranga. I
know that county leaders are working tirelessly to address
issues, solve problems, and create an environment in
which the full potential of this County will soon be realised.

Governor wa Iria, your transformative agenda in

expanding health service delivery is clearly demonstrated
by the County HIV/AIDS Strategic plan. It is my hope that
adequate resources will be dedicated towards the
implementation of this Plan.
I also compliment the County First Lady, Jane wa Iria, for
the empowerment programs she has implemented and
whose effect will have wide far reaching impact on our
adolescents. These types of initiatives are critical in
dealing squarely with community problems.
I believe all leaders present have a stake in making this
country better and I commend our leaders, parents,
teachers, social workers and other stakeholders for the
quiet, steady work you are all doing.
One of the healthcare topics that causes me deep concern
is Cancer and I will continue to advocate for early
screening and encourage our girls, mothers, boys and men
to go for regular check-ups for breast, cervical and
prostate cancer. There is still significant work to be done in
this area.
My personal philosophy, is that the unnecessary death of
anyone is one death too many. The County Government is
already investing significantly in addressing critical health
issues - The Kenneth Matiba eye, dental and cancer
diagnostic centre is just one example of the projects the
Governor has rolled out to bring quality health services
closer to the people and at subsidized rates.
One other way that the County can support the health of
citizens is by improving access to clean water. This,
coupled with the already high access to sanitation
facilities, will undoubtedly make a big difference to the
health of Murangas mothers, fathers and children. Bwana
Governor, I am sure plans for increased clean water
provision are in the pipeline and I look forward to the
progress your administration will make in this area.
As I said earlier, I am full of hope for Muranga and for the
milestones the County will achieve in terms of health. So

today, as I present the 46thMobile Clinic kindly donated by

the Jimna Mbaru Foundation, I celebrate with Kenyans the
promise I made 2 years ago to equip all 47 Counties with
at least one mobile clinic.
This has been made possible by the many well-wishers
who have walked with me, who have run with me to
ensure we finish the race. It is my hope that the mobile
clinic donations that are a product of so much charity and
kindness from Kenyans and people around the world, will
play a small part in strengthening the health sector of our
nation.
My ultimate satisfaction will be to hear that more children
live to celebrate their 5th birthday, that mother to child HIV
transmission will be eliminated, and that no child, mother
or father will die from preventable diseases,
With those remarks Bwana Governor, it is my pleasure to
hand over to you the 46th beyond zero mobile medical
clinic.
Thank you and God Bless you all.