Investing in the Health Sector in Uasin Gishu County

Uasin Gishu County is situated in the mid-west of the Rift Valley covering an area of 3,345.2 square kilometers and lies between longitude 34 degrees 50’ east and 35 degrees 37’ west and latitude 0 degrees 03’ south and 0 degrees 55’ north.

The county is a home to Eldoret Town. Eldoret Town is the fifth largest town in Kenya. This town is also a home to renowned world champions and world record holders and breakers in athletics. The town is also rated as the second best growing town in Kenya.

If there is an area that needs to be invested in in this county then it is the health sector. Health is an essential part of any community that intends to attain an economic growth. Uasin Gishu is an expansive County but despite its expansiveness, the County has only eight dispensaries, and twenty three health centers. The doctor to patient ratio in this county is 1:10,034.

The existing medical facilities in this County are dilapidated with inadequate staff as well as outdated equipment. This has often increased the cost of medical care making healthcare inaccessible by many residents. The number and quality of medical facilities in Uasin Gishu County is a source of major concern as evidenced by the congestion at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the main hospital in the county.

There is a great business opportunity in the health sector in this county. Starting a well-developed and equipped medical facility will always give you good returns. Not that you will be capitalizing on the sickness of the people to make a living, but both sides will benefit. You will benefit by making some money and the residents will benefit by getting good healthcare. Opening a chemist is also a good venture. Make sure you are a registered medical practitioner, have some money to start and keep the business moving.

Challenges one is likely to face

Uasin Gishu County boasts of diversity and multiculturalism with many ethnic communities residing into the County. This has always been a recipe for insecurity due to ethnic conflicts especially during election periods. The county also experiences other elements of insecurity which are more prevalent in urban centers due to high unemployment and school dropout rates by the youth, lack of lighting as well as corruption by law enforcement officers.

What’s in it for investors?

Apart from the opportunities in the health sector, Investors can also invest in the agricultural sector which is one of the major economic activities in the county, the sports sector, a major sector that has taken the County around the world, the infrastructure sector as well as the manufacturing sector.