NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The Government of Japan has been providing funds to local non-profit organizations through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) since 1989.
Today, the Handing Over Ceremony of a GGP project “The Project for the Renovation of a Maternity Ward at Kiptulwa Dispensary” was held in Kiptulwa, Sotik District, Bomet County. The Grant Contract of this project was signed on 16th of March 2015.
The project received a grant amounting to USD 86,923 (approx. Kshs 7.9 Million) for the renovation of a maternity ward and medical equipment with the purpose of improving the environment for mothers to deliver babies.
Kiptulwa Dispensary was established in 1994, by the community as a self-help group. This dispensary has been serving many people who are in severe situations including those who unfortunately face financial difficulties in the community. The maternity ward was in use, but it did not offer full services due to the lack of space and medical equipment. Therefore, many people used to deliver babies at home, which sometimes led them to dangerous health complications. The organization did not have enough funds to complete the renovation of the maternity ward, therefore they applied for the GGP assistance from the Embassy of Japan.
Within one year, the organization managed to complete the maternity ward successfully. As soon as the County Government will post health care workers for this maternity ward, they are expected to officially open the facility.
At the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada, Ambassador of Embassy of Japan congratulated Kiptulwa Dispensary for their successful completion of the project. In his speech, the Ambassador referred to the Japanese Assistance to the health sector in Kenya called, “Universal Health Coverage” (UHC). He explained that last year, the Japanese Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and announced that the Government of Japan will assist Kenya with a total amount of 2.9 BILLION Ksh (Approx. 33 Million USD). The purpose is to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them. He expressed his expectation that this support will contribute towards improving health services in Kenya so that all people can receive basic health care.
Information of the Ceremony
Project : The Project for the Renovation of a Maternity Ward at Kiptulwa Dispensary
Grantee: Kiptulwa Dispensary
Grant Amount: US$ 86,923 (approx. Kshs 7.9 Million)
Event: Handing Over Ceremony
Date: 24th March 2016
Time: 11:00am – 13:00pm
Venue: Project Site : Kiptulwa Dispensary Kiptulwa, Sotik District, Bomet County
Key Personalities:
H.E. Mr. Isaac Ruto – Governor of Bomet County
H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada – Ambassador of Japan to Kenya
