Kapenguria residents get dental health treat during World Health Day

Residents of West Pokot County got a rare dental heathcare treat undertaken by Mount Kenya University (MKU) during World Oral Health Day commemoration.

During the celebrations the university conducted a free dental care outreach on Thursday, 19th March 2026 at Makutano School, Kapenguria through its Department of Dental Sciences under the College of Health Sciences.

The event that benefitted more than 2,000 learners and members of the community formed part of MKU’s university-wide ‘Supporting Communities’ campaign, aimed at strengthening public engagement and ensuring access to preventive healthcare services across Kenya.

Supported by MKU alumni, faculty, and students, the outreach sought to raise oral health awareness and provide essential dental care to underserved communities in the region.

The event was part of the institution’s ongoing Oral Health Awareness Week and was spearheaded by MKU alumnus Christine Semekal, who is the founder and CEO of Oral Health Mashinani and graduate of the BSc Oral Health programme.

The community activity was delivered in partnership with the County Government of West Pokot, Glow Foundation, Arrow Dental, Red Cross Kenya, among other partners.

As part of the outreach, MKU donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to more than 2,000 beneficiaries, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preventive oral healthcare.

Speaking at the event, MKU alumnus and Oral Health Association of Kenya representative as well as Council Member of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), Musa Kiptanui, praised the alumni-led initiative for advancing universal health care.

He said the event supported the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by bringing vital oral health services to remote communities in West Pokot.

The Director of Public Health, West Pokot County, Benson Chumankemer, who was the chief guest, commended the initiative for its preventive focus, noting that such community efforts contribute significantly to reducing disease burden.

Representing the MKU Vice Chancellor, the Alumni Relations Director, Virginia Kiunga, applauded Ms Semekal and the alumni community for their dedication to service, highlighting that community engagement is a core pillar of MKU.

She maintained that through initiatives like the Kapenguria outreach, MKU continues to champion preventive healthcare and empower communities with knowledge and services that reduce the burden of dental diseases.

Residents of Kapenguria and surrounding areas benefited from services including dental check-ups, oral hygiene education and referral guidance for advanced care.

For MKU students pursuing dental sciences and other health programmes, the outreach offered invaluable hands-on learning under the mentorship of experienced faculty and alumni.

Organizers pointed out that such exposure strengthens their clinical competence and enhances their capacity for community-responsive healthcare, in line with MKU’s mission to train skilled and socially responsible health professionals.

The university’s College of Health Sciences maintains a strong tradition of community outreach, and the 2026 celebrations in Kapenguria further reflect MKU’s enduring commitment to improving lives and unlocking infinite possibilities in community service.

West Pokot County, like many rural regions in Kenya, faces challenges in accessing regular dental and oral health services.

By bringing this initiative directly to Makutano School, MKU is helping to bridge this gap and ensure that families especially school-going children receive timely dental screenings and advice on maintaining healthy mouths.

Celebrated every year on 20th March, World Oral Health Day underscores the need for improved oral healthcare globally.