By Duncan Waswa
For hundreds of residents in Bungoma County, the world has become brighter — not just literally, but in spirit — thanks to a transformative Free Eye Clinic spearheaded by Senator David Wakoli, in partnership with the Lions Club of Nairobi.
In a region where eye care has long been considered a privilege of the few, this outreach has given the gift of sight — and with it, the priceless return of independence, dignity, and renewed dreams.
The mobile clinics reached deep into underserved communities, setting up at Mechimeru Health Centre, Mayanja in Kanduyi, Kaboroom in Mt. Elgon, and Sinoko in Webuye East. These are places where basic medical services are often out of reach, and where vision loss quietly steals lives away in slow motion.
The eye care program offered free eye screening, cataract surgeries, prescription glasses, medication, and expert consultations — all without cost.
Behind the statistics were stories of individuals whose lives had been quietly shrinking due to untreated eye conditions. Many had been trapped in a world of dimness, stumbling through life unable to see their loved ones clearly, read, or perform daily tasks.
At Mechimeru, 68-year-old Mama Ruth Wanjala could barely hold back tears after a successful cataract surgery. For three years, her world had been growing darker.
“I couldn’t read, sew, or walk without bumping into things. I feared I was going blind,” she said, her voice shaking. “But today… I can see again. I can read my Bible. Senator Wakoli didn’t just give me back my sight — he gave me back my dignity.”
In Mayanja, 13-year-old Erick Simiyu, a Class Seven pupil, struggled in school because of his poor eyesight. He would squint at the blackboard, his head throbbing with frequent headaches. His grades had begun to slip. But that changed when he received a pair of custom prescription glasses.
“Everything is clear now,” he whispered with a shy smile. “I’m so happy. I can see the board again.”
Erick’s story is one of many where a simple intervention has changed the trajectory of a child’s future.
The program’s success is rooted in collaboration — between Senator Wakoli’s office, Bungoma County leadership, and the Lions Club of Nairobi, whose team of ophthalmologists and medical staff brought professional care to the grassroots.
Speaking at the eye camp in Mt. Elgon, Bungoma County CEC for Health Chrispinus Barasa praised the effort:
“This is the kind of leadership that transforms lives. Senator Wakoli’s commitment, alongside the Lions Club, is a game-changer for healthcare access. Eye care is often overlooked, yet it’s central to living with dignity.”
According to the Lions Club medical coordinator, over 3,333 patients were screened across the four sites. Of these, 1,825 received treatment for various infections and eye conditions, while 290 patients diagnosed with cataracts are scheduled for surgery at Bungoma County Referral Hospital.
The surgeries will be conducted jointly by specialists from both the Lions Club and Bungoma County medical staff — ensuring both capacity-building and sustainability.
While adults benefitted greatly, it was the elderly and school-going children who formed the largest share of those treated — a reflection of how vision problems cut across generations.
Some elderly residents, long dismissed as victims of aging, were found to have treatable conditions. With a simple pair of spectacles or a short surgery, they were able to return to their livelihoods — farming, weaving, or simply walking safely through the village.
Children who had fallen behind in school due to undiagnosed vision problems received care, giving them a fresh start in their education journey.
Senator Wakoli, who personally visited all four clinics, emphasized that this was only the beginning of a broader vision for accessible healthcare in Bungoma.
“No one should suffer in silence or darkness because they cannot afford care,” he said. “Whether it’s a grandmother trying to live independently, or a child trying to learn, clear vision is the foundation of opportunity.
He stressed the importance of building a county where health services — especially specialized ones like eye care — are not luxuries, but rights.
As the final camp wrapped up in Sinoko, villagers gathered in large numbers, not to receive treatment this time, but to say thank you. They brought song, dance, and testimonies — expressions of gratitude that no medicine could match.
For many, this outreach was more than a medical event. It was a moment of being seen, valued, and remembered.
“We have waited for this kind of care for years,” said a local elder in Webuye East. “Now, we know our leaders see us — and that gives us hope.”
In a region where blindness too often goes untreated, this program has done more than restore sight — it has reminded the people of Bungoma that compassion still leads.
As Senator Wakoli continues to push for community-based health initiatives, his leadership is offering more than services — it’s offering dignity, access, and a second chance at life.
