The Ministry of Health has launched the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani campaign in Kiambu County, intensifying efforts to promote clean environments and healthy living as part of a nationwide push to prevent disease.
The activation was held at Ruiru Market on Friday, where Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni underscored the importance of environmental cleanliness in protecting communities from illness.
She noted that environmental conditions are linked to nearly half of all diseases, making hygiene a key pillar of public health.
PS Muthoni said the campaign is part of a wider government plan to reduce preventable illnesses through community-based public health actions.
She added that the initiative will be rolled out in all counties to cut diseases linked to poor sanitation and unsafe surroundings, while strengthening prevention at the grassroots.
During the event, she launched a 16-member Kiambu County Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani Multi-Agency Steering Committee to oversee implementation and enforcement at the county level. The committee brings together various stakeholders to ensure the program is carried out effectively and consistently.
She directed public health officers to strictly enforce existing public health laws, especially those covering sanitation, hygiene, and environmental management.
The PS also urged wananchi to adopt simple but lifesaving hygiene habits such as hand-washing after using the toilet, regular bathing for children, proper waste disposal, and keeping homes and public spaces clean.
Muthoni warned that poor hygiene and unsafe environments can lead to diseases including cholera, bilharzia, and malaria. She stressed the need for clean markets, working dustbins, and well-managed public areas, noting that busy marketplaces can become disease hotspots if sanitation standards are ignored.
On water and sanitation, she called for the use of safe drinking water and consistent toilet use, urging county governments to prioritise and fund public health services. She encouraged people to seek healthcare early and register with the Social Health Authority, noting that primary healthcare services are provided free of charge.
The campaign also highlighted wider social and health risks. Muthoni raised alarm over illicit brews and narcotic drug abuse in Kiambu and neighbouring counties, warning that substance abuse destroys families, disrupts education, and increases the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer.
Kiambu becomes the 12th county to adopt the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani initiative, following Turkana, Nakuru, Murang’a, Tharaka Nithi, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Kisii, Machakos, West Pokot, and Laikipia. The growing rollout shows the government’s push for uniform hygiene standards across the country.
The exercise ended with a clean-up drive at Ruiru Market to reinforce the message that clean environments are the foundation of healthy communities. Officials said the activity was meant to show shared responsibility between the government and citizens in maintaining hygiene.
The event was attended by Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia, Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Health Elias Maina, and County Director of Health Hilary Kagwah, among other county officials, showing cooperation between national and county authorities in advancing the campaign.
As the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani campaign expands nationwide, the Ministry of Health is promoting cleanliness, enforcement of hygiene laws, and community involvement as key steps to reduce preventable diseases and strengthen public health at the community level.
