A pivotal health milestone just unfolded in Kisumu County.

Living Goods and Kisumu’s Department of Health have officially launched a powerful new phase of their partnership, one that places mental health at the very center of primary care. Implemented under the Community Health Units for Universal Health Coverage (CHU4UHC) a coalition of 26 partners led by the Kenyan
Ministry of Health platform, this initiative is set to redefine how communities in Kisumu receive care.

The announcement comes after a high-level co-creation meeting that brought together county and sub-county health teams, Living Goods, and other key stakeholders. The objective: to align on shared priorities and shape a sustainable implementation framework that will build a more inclusive, resilient, and responsive community health system.

“Many people seeking healthcare are dealing with mental health challenges that have been overlooked for too long. It’s time to change that,” said Dr. Gregory Ganda, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Kisumu County.

Four Years of Digital Progress, Now, a New Focus

Over the past four years, Living Goods has worked hand in hand with Kisumu County to digitize its 3,000-strong network of Community Health Promoters (CHPs). These CHPs are now equipped with the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS), which has drastically improved data collection, decision-making, and efficiency across the health system. This achievement has laid a solid digital foundation for future innovations, including the county’s bold new focus on mental health.

For the first time, mental health is receiving the attention it deserves. The new initiative will roll out comprehensive training on mental health services for all CHPs, Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and facility-based healthcare workers. The goal is clear: to enable earlier identification and better management of common mental health conditions at the community level.

Dr. Ganda emphasized the urgency and relevance of this shift, noting that a significant percentage of patients accessing health services are grappling with untreated mental health issues.

“This project has arrived at an opportune time. Our community wellness centers are already functional in some wards, and with this support, we will expand them to all 35 wards across the county,” he said.

Digitization remains a key priority. Dr. Don Ogolla, Director of Medical Services in Kisumu, stressed the need for a dedicated mental health module within eCHIS to ensure that mental health care is tracked, evaluated, and improved through real-time data.

This next phase of collaboration with Living Goods, which will run for another four years, is a testament to what’s possible when county governments and community health innovators work together. It’s also a reflection of the growing global recognition, championed by Johnson & Johnson, that mental health must be integrated into all aspects of care, especially at the primary level.

As the co-creation meeting closed, the energy in the room was clear: hope, determination, and a readiness to embrace what comes next.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue working with Living Goods,” said a county health representative. “Together, we are building a stronger, healthier Kisumu.”