The Nakuru County Assembly Health Committee holds its second bill review meeting

KELIN attended the second bill review meeting for the Nakuru Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MCNH) Bill, 2019. The Nakuru County Assembly Health Committee convened the review meeting on July 18 – 19, 2019 in Nakuru County. The meeting provided an opportunity for members of various committees within the County Assembly to examine issues arising from the introduction of a bill for debate in the County Assembly or any other legislative body (Senate or Parliament). KELIN and partners attended the session to provide technical guidance and support to the health committee based on the mandate and capacity of each organisation in legislative advocacy. The two-day meeting provided an opportunity for the committee to: reflect on feedback sampled from the first public participation session and preceding community dialogue hosted by KELIN; identify areas for amendment in the bill and; to reach consensus on points of law and facts to include in moving notes for subsequent readings of the Nakuru MNCH Bill, 2019. It was evident from the discussion, that maternal health continues to exist as an area of great concern with due regard to capacity and accessibility in Nakuru County. Kenya Medical Association – Nakuru Division Member, Dr Carolyne Njoki, emphasised the need to address a dysfunctional health system and encouraged a more rehabilitative approach as opposed to a punitive one through the Bill. These sentiments were echoed by the committee members who emphasised that they intend for the Bill to promote preventative measures to promote and protect the right to reproductive health care, and ultimately the right to health, for the county constituents. KELIN’s Deputy Executive Director Ms Saoyo Tabitha Griffith was also present during the meeting. She facilitated an in-depth and comprehensive review of the Bill and the recommendations from the public participation session. At the end of the retreat, the chairperson of the Health Committee, Hon. Njuguna Mwaura highlighted the need to have the Nakuru MNCH Bill, 2019 passed into law as it anchors pertinent components of the right reproductive health care and subsequently will promote the realisation of the right to health for the residents of Nakuru County. Aluta Continua! To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag: #justice2health. Twitter: @KELINkenya Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya For more information, contact: Linda W. Kroeger Program Officer – SRHR Mombasa Road, Somak Building 4th Floor P.O. Box 112 – 00202 KNH Nairobi Tel: 020, 2515790 │Mobile: +254726 395 476 E-mail: lkroeger@kelinkenya.org Website: www.kelinkenya.org