Kakamega: Social workers play a crucial role in communities by addressing social ills and can help prevent and mitigate ailments. A board member of the Commonwealth Organization of Social Workers, Mr. George Kombe, emphasized that 70 percent of all patients in Kenyan hospitals could find relief from their ailments if the government employed social workers in all hospitals.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kombe highlighted that social workers bridge the gap between doctors and patients as many health issues stem from social problems. Speaking at the Kakamega Approved School in Kakamega County during Social Workers’ Day celebrations, Kombe urged devolved governments to integrate social workers into their health facilities to better assist patients.
He pointed out that a significant portion of hospital patients suffer from social issues, using the example of a woman developing high blood pressure due to marital stress, only to return to the same environment after treatment. Kombe also criticized the current health sector structure where social workers report to different departments, suggesting a unified reporting system.
Nelson Itah, director of United Kenya Rising, a non-governmental organization, stated that his organization tackles grassroots-level factors that contribute to health problems. He explained efforts to help families overcome poverty and secure health insurance and livelihoods.
Evans Nyakundi, Secretary General of the Kenya National Association of Social Workers Union, acknowledged the unemployment challenges facing social workers despite new graduates entering the field. He called on county governments to employ social workers in schools to prevent student unrest and urged both national and county governments to provide stipends for interns.
Victor Juma from Sigalagala National Polytechnic expressed concern over high unemployment in the sector. Meanwhile, Dr. Beatrice Kariaga, a lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, encouraged community members to suggest short courses and partner with the university, particularly involving social workers, to address societal challenges.