Mombasa county government has extended the monthlong free healthcare to thousands during ‘Mwezi wa Baba’ initiative to November 30,2026.

The initiative has been ongoing throughout the month of October across all public health facilities under the ‘BabaCare’ initiative, also known as ‘’Mwezi wa Baba’.

The BabaCare initiative was meant to ease the burden of medical bills and expand access to essential health services for residents in the coastal city.

The health initiative by the coastal county is to honour the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by providing accessible and dignified medical care to members of the public.

The former premier passed away on Wednesday October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in Kerala, India due to cardiac arrest.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said services provided under the initiative included specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, cancer screenings, primary healthcare, and free maternity care.

He disclosed that the devolved government has hired 430 additional short-term healthcare workers to handle the increased patient turnout.

“If patients are asked to pay for covered services at a public facility they can reach out to my office through a hotline by dialing 1599,” he said, adding that for patients the initiative is meant to provide immediate financial relief.

Nassir  added ‘so far 100,000 patients have benefited from free healthcare at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital under the Mwezi wa Baba initiative’.

Mombasa County’s department of health services is urging residents across the six sub counties of Changamwe, Jomvu, Kisauni, Likoni, Mvita and Nyali to take advantage of the extension by visiting the nearest public health facilities.

Nassir said the county government’s initiative is designed to improve access to healthcare particularly for residents who cannot afford essential medical services.

“Following overwhelming public demand, we have extended the free BabaCare services in all our health facilities until 30 November,2026,” he said.

He went on ‘this means another month of relief for families and access to the care they need.’

The Governor disclosed that even after the end of November his administration in collaboration with stakeholders will be scaling up free medical camps in a bid to expand vital cost-free medical services for vulnerable residents who cannot afford healthcare costs.

“As we continue providing free healthcare services under Mwezi wa Baba, the availability of medicines at our facilities remains central to ensuring that patients receive the care they need,” he said.

Nassir says the devolved unit will continue to honour Raila’s legacy through service to the people, particularly for those who are unable to afford medical examinations.

He says public health facilities are conducting free medical checkups including cervical cancer screenings and breast examinations for residents across the coastal city.

“From the casualty departments and outpatient clinics to specialised clinics, diagnostic services, inpatient care, and SHA-supported service points, beneficiaries continue to receive the medical attention they need without the stress of overwhelming healthcare costs,” he said.

He said the growing number of patients seeking care, coupled with inspiring testimonials from beneficiaries, highlights the difference accessible healthcare can make, noting that for many, having their medical bills covered has brought relief, hope, and peace of mind.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring that every patient receives timely, compassionate, and dignified care, regardless of where they access services within the healthcare system,” he said.

The Governor emphasized that the importance of improving cancer care, regular medical screening, and early diagnosis at the grassroots level cannot be overemphasized given the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya.

“We have added 68 medical staff to our county health facilities to strengthen our capacity to serve the people during Mwezi wa Baba, the additional personnel will support our healthcare teams and help reduce waiting times so as to receive the care one needs with dignity,” he said.

Nassir said the month-long exercise with medical professionals providing screening, consultation, treatment and health education would enable residents who could not afford medical examinations to access free healthcare services at public health facilities across Mombasa.

Other services include cervical and breast cancer screening through pap smear tests, eye tests, health education, specialist consultations and referral for further treatment where appropriate.

“As on 15th October alone our health facilities recorded 82 cervical cancer screenings and 101 breast examinations,” he said, adding that cancer is becoming prevalent.

Nassir reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing Mombasa’s cancer burden stating that the BabaCare initiative is aimed at bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people at the grassroots.

He added ‘this is the promise of taking healthcare closer to the people, turning a visit to a neighbourhood public health facility an opportunity for early detection,’.

Nassir who is also the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) Committee on Health exhorted area residents to come forward for the free medical screening with services on offer ranging from specialist consultations and diagnostic tests to surgeries and cancer screening.

The coastal county boss says the BabaCare initiative is turning a vision of dignity and accessible healthcare into real impact for the people.

“Behind every number is a life touched, a family supported and hope renewed, this landmark initiative is reaching our people where it matters most-their health,” he said.

By Hussein Abdullahi