MKU marks Oral Health Day with free outreach in West Pokot

By Lawrence Ongaro

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has reaffirmed its commitment to community wellbeing by extending its medical outreach initiatives to Kapenguria, West Pokot County.

In celebrations held to mark World Oral Health Day 2026, the university conducted a free dental care outreach on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Makutano School in Kapenguria, through its Department of Dental Sciences under the College of Health Sciences.

The event 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 alumna Ms Christine Semekal, CEO of Oral Health Mashinani and a 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, and Kenya Red Cross, 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.

Leaders laud preventive healthcare efforts

Speaking at the event, MKU alumnus and Oral Health Association of Kenya representative, as well as a council member of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), Mr Musa Kiptanui, praised the alumni-led initiative for advancing universal healthcare. 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 in West Pokot County, Mr Benson Chumankemer, who was the chief guest, commended the initiative for its preventive focus, noting that such community efforts significantly reduce disease burden.

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

Training students and transforming lives

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. 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 through 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 March 20, World Oral Health Day underscores the need for improved oral healthcare globally. The theme for 2026 is “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.” As the final chapter of the 2024–2026 three-year cycle, the campaign highlights the critical connection between oral health and overall physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing throughout all stages of life, encouraging daily preventive habits.

MKU’s participation demonstrates its leadership in health education and its unwavering dedication to contributing to global health priorities through local action. Through initiatives like the Kapenguria outreach, the university continues to champion preventive healthcare and empower communities with knowledge and services that reduce the burden of dental diseases.