Checked from Head, Shoulders, Knees to Toes

'The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago; the next best time is now.'

Sometimes, a simple idea — shared at the right moment — can grow into something truly impactful. This was the story behind a remarkable medical camp that recently brought hope, healing, and humanity to the Mara community.

Late last year, a vision was shared, one rooted in compassion and service. The idea was simple yet powerful: organise a free medical camp for the surrounding community. What began as a conversation quickly gained momentum, taking shape through collaboration, commitment, and belief.

The Angama Foundation, known for its dedication to health, conservation, and education, already had strong programs in place. But health connects deeply with every aspect of life. Through the Angama Clinic, serving daily from 08h00 to 17h00, the Foundation opened its doors in 2017, offering care to guests, staff, and the wider community.

Still, there was more to be done. Guided by global health principles that emphasise prevention over cure, the team set out to bring healthcare closer to the people through education, screening, and accessible treatment. Plans quickly turned into action. A dedicated committee was formed, meetings were held, and logistics were carefully mapped out. Soon, the dream had a date.

Alongside the Angama team, partners from across the Mara stepped forward — Mara West providing a dentist and ambulance support, with doctors joining from &Beyond, Mara Elatia, and Mara Serena. Local leadership, including the chief and county representatives, offered guidance on location and planning, while the Emurutoto community opened their school grounds and facilities for the day.

A diverse team came together — doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists, and community health promoters — all united by one goal: to serve.

On the morning of the camp setup, before the medical team had fully prepared, groups of community members had already gathered at Emurutoto Primary School grounds. They sat in small clusters, chatting and laughing under the warm morning sun, hopeful and expectant.

By 10h00, the camp officially began, and what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The turnout was overwhelming. People came from near and far — young and old, families and individuals — all seeking care. The atmosphere was vibrant, almost festive, yet deeply meaningful.

Then came a moment that truly tested the team. A young boy, bitten by a snake while grazing cattle, was rushed to the camp. His family had heard about the free services and acted quickly. Within minutes, the medical team responded, administering anti-snake venom and stabilising him.

It was a powerful reminder: this camp wasn’t just about routine care — it was about saving lives. Another case involved an elderly woman with heart complications. She was stabilised on-site and transferred by ambulance for advanced care. Meanwhile, cancer screenings identified several high-risk cases, allowing for early referrals and intervention.

These moments underscored the real impact of accessible healthcare. Care didn’t end at treatment. After consultations, patients were served a warm meal, a simple but meaningful gesture that brought people together. For many, this was more than a medical visit; it was an experience of dignity, kindness, and community.

As the day came to a close, one thing was clear: this was more than a one-time event. It was a seed planted. The community expressed deep gratitude and a strong desire for more such camps in the future. The success of the day showed what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose.

The medical camp was not just about numbers or services — it was about impact. It showed that even ideas that come “late” can still grow into something meaningful.

Because in the end, what matters most is taking that first step.

And, as the saying goes, the best time to start is now.

The entire experience of organising and executing this medical camp has been a profound learning journey for both Dr Emmanuel and me at the Angama Clinic. It not only challenged us but also inspired a strong desire to grow, refine, and do even better in the future.

What made this possible was our shared commitment to move forward without excuses. We chose to see opportunity in every challenge, and through perseverance and teamwork, we created something truly meaningful and impactful.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr Emmanuel for his unwavering support and coordination throughout the camp. Special thanks to Angama Mara General Manager, Collins, for the encouragement and empowerment that made this vision achievable. To our liaison officer, Mr Erick, your dedication and tireless mobilisation efforts were invaluable.

To all our medical and non-medical colleagues, we say Ashe oleng — thank you very much. Your contributions, big and small, made this initiative a success.

We look forward to building on this foundation and making the next one even greater.