Although the clinics receive some grants from large donors, these funds are often insufficient  for clinic operation. Our goal is to help fill the gaps with a primary focus on family planning and development of vaccine refrigerator that can reach these remote communities. 

Why are the clinics so important? 

The clinics target under or under served communities and provide much of the medical care to the isolated tribal communities in Kenya's northern frontier.   The clinics bring medicines and reproductive health, that includes family planning, to many of these poverty-stricken communities for a fraction of the cost of medicine in the west.

Why isn’t the Kenyan government doing this work? 

Kenya’s government programs tend to be designed for fixed sites in largely populated areas. These clinics serve the nomadic and often remote transient communities which are difficult to access.  However, the Ministry of Health (MOH), having established a Memo of Understanding (MOU), provides many of the medicines these clinics deliver to these challenged areas. 

Are the clinics safe to go into these areas? 

The clinics are regarded with the same respect afforded organizations like the Red Cross and UN. The clinics are welcomed because the communities themselves have asked for heathcare to be brought to them.  These requests are made through channels that have already been working closely with the tribes in the region i.e. various wildlife foundations like the Laikpia Wildlife Forum. Most requests come via community members, Government District Officers and the Ministry of Health ask the clinics to assist with regions they cannot reach due to lack of adequate resources.  

How is the success of these clinics measured? 

The clinics have detailed reporting tools in place and partner with the Ministry of Health to whom they report on a monthly basis.  The clinics’ current funders such as, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Family Health International (FHI), demand extremely high quality in both service and accountability. 

Is there an intermediary involved? 

No there is not.  

Do the communities themselves contribute to the cost of their healthcare? 

Clients are expected to pay something for their medical treatment;  typically 20 Kenyan Shillings (30 cents). If they cannot afford this they pay in-kind with a gourd of milk or similar payment. They are a proud people and expect to pay for services rendered. 

Where do my donations go? 

While CHAPS exercises independent discretion, funds given for a specific purpose are tracked and monitored for use in the specified application.  It is our mission to improve healthcare and health education in rural Kenya.  CHAPS receives and monitors the use of all funds. 

Why do you think these mobile clinics programs are successful? 

These programs are successful because they are locally relevant. The clinics meet the real needs of the individuals in their specific geographic locations.  The clinics have designed a healthcare delivery system for the communities with the communities. This ensures the best care is brought to these geographically and economically challenged locations. Social and cultural traditions are sensitively approached with a view to offering healthier answers to some ancient tribal practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).