Mount Kenya University (MKU) has demonstrated commitment to community wellbeing by taking g its medical outreach campaign to Kapenguria, the headquarters of West Pokot County.

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

The event was part of MKU community service campaign to strengthen 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 organised ongoing Oral Health Awareness Week and was spearheaded by MKU alumna Christine Semekal, CEO of Oral Health Mashinani and graduate of the Bachelor of Science Oral Health Programme.

The community activity was delivered in partnership with the county government of West Pokot, Glow Foundation, Arrow Dental and 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.

Mr Kiptanui 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.

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

Alumni Relations Director Virginia Kiunga, who represented MKU vice chancellor, applauded Ms Semekal and the alumni community for their dedication to service.

Residents of Kapenguria and surrounding areas benefited from services that included 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 illutratd MKU’s 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 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, this campaign highlights the critical connection between oral health and overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being 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, MKU continues to champion preventive healthcare and empower communities with knowledge and services that reduce the burden of dental diseases.

• A Tell Media report / By James Wakahiu