Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya hosted a key meeting today with a team from Ampath Kenya to discuss the findings of the Ampath Chamas for Change Women Rise Study: A Gender-Responsive and Microfinance-Based Approach to Empowering Women and Building Resilience to Health Emergencies. The study has revealed that women’s savings and social groups, known as “Chamas,” have proven essential in maintaining maternal health and offering vital social support during times of crisis.
The research highlights the pivotal role Chamas play in ensuring that women in rural areas have access to healthcare, financial security, and emotional support, especially in times of health emergencies. The study, which was carried out across Trans Nzoia’s sub-counties, emphasized the importance of community-driven approaches in achieving sustainable health outcomes.
In an innovative effort to bring these findings closer to the local population, the research team adopted a participatory method, transforming the results into an interactive play. This play, set to be performed across the region, aims to engage local residents in a direct dialogue about the study’s insights, raising awareness of the role of Chamas in improving women’s health and overall community resilience.
Governor Natembeya, recognizing the significance of the study, announced that he would actively participate in the upcoming fireside chat, which will feature the play. "It is essential that we bring these important findings directly to the people. Through this play, we will not only highlight the role of Chamas but also open up discussions about enhancing maternal healthcare, strengthening community resilience, and utilizing these insights to shape future health policies here in Trans Nzoia County," Governor Natembeya said.
The meeting also underscored the urgent need for policy engagement and collaboration across various sectors to scale the Chamas for Change program. Governor Natembeya emphasized that for the program’s impact to grow and reach more communities, it would require the combined efforts of local government, the health sector, and development partners.
“The collaboration between the community, health workers, and policymakers is crucial to ensuring that this program has the necessary support to scale and transform maternal healthcare,” Natembeya added. "We must continue to prioritize the health of women, and this study provides valuable insights into how we can achieve that."
As Trans Nzoia County continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its residents, Governor Natembeya’s commitment to enhancing maternal health and supporting women’s empowerment through innovative, community-based approaches reflects a forward-thinking vision for the region’s future. The upcoming performances of the play and continued engagement will provide further opportunities for dialogue and action on improving health outcomes for women and families in the county.