Governor Kachapin Commissions First-Ever Dispensary in Soka, Promises Better Healthcare Access
Residents of Soka in Weiwei Ward witnessed a historic milestone as West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin commissioned the first-ever dispensary in the area. The newly established Soka Dispensary is set to bridge a long-standing healthcare gap in the remote region, bringing essential medical services closer to the people.
Equipped with a pharmacy, emergency area, consultation rooms, and a public health office, the dispensary will provide much-needed relief to residents who previously had to travel long distances to access basic healthcare. Governor Kachapin emphasized the importance of fully utilizing Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to ensure efficient service delivery, given the challenging terrain and limited access to major health facilities.
“This dispensary marks a new beginning for the people of Soka. I urge our healthcare providers to be innovative and creative in service delivery, as this is a hard-to-reach area that requires special attention,” said Governor Kachapin.
Despite the absence of electricity in the area, the governor assured residents that the facility was just the beginning of broader development efforts. He also highlighted the region’s agricultural potential, encouraging farmers to embrace high-value cash crops such as mangoes, avocados, millet, and other drought-resistant varieties to improve food security and household incomes.
As part of his visit, Governor Kachapin also laid a foundation stone for the construction of a girls’ dormitory at Soka Primary School. The project, being implemented by a developmental partner, aims to improve access to education for girls in the region by providing a safe and conducive learning environment.
Residents expressed their gratitude, terming the dispensary a game-changer in the provision of healthcare. Many, especially women and children, will now benefit from improved maternal and child health services, while emergency cases can be handled more swiftly.
“We used to carry our sick on our backs for miles, hoping they would make it to the hospital—but sometimes, they didn’t. Today, with this dispensary, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that healthcare is within reach,” noted Teresa Siwareng, a resident of Soka.
The governor also commissioned 14 Sobukwo-Soka road that will open up the underserved area.
With this development, the people of Soka can now look forward to better health outcomes, increased school enrollment for girls, and improved livelihoods, as West Pokot continues to prioritize inclusive growth and service delivery.