A section of Eastlands residents has warmly welcomed the appointment of youth leader Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, to the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, terming it a long-overdue move that brings grassroots representation closer to key decision-making.
Residents from Umoja, Dandora, Komarock and Pipeline said Gaucho’s background and lived experience in the informal settlements make him well placed to articulate the needs of ordinary wananchi who form the bulk of patients at the facility.
They noted that for the first time, the hospital board has been thrust into the public limelight, with many expressing optimism that having someone easily accessible will bridge the long-standing gap between management and the community.
“Gaucho ni mtu wetu, amekaa ground na anajua shida zetu. For a long time, decisions were being made without considering what people in Eastlands go through. Now we feel represented,” said Peter Otieno, a boda boda operator in Umoja.
In Dandora, Beatrice Wanjiku echoed the sentiments, saying the appointment gives residents confidence that their voices will finally be heard at the highest level.
“This hospital mostly serves people from informal settlements. Having someone who understands our daily struggles means issues like congestion, huduma na dignity of patients will now be raised where it matters,” she said.
Kevin Mutiso from Komarock added that Gaucho’s presence on the board has already sparked interest among young people in governance matters.
“For the first time, watu wanauliza board ya hospital inafanya nini. It shows how important representation is. Gaucho is someone you can even approach and explain your issue without fear,” he noted.
At Pipeline, Jane Njeri emphasized that board members must go beyond titles and actively represent the people who rely on the facility.
“Board members should not just sit in offices. They must carry the views of wananchi in decision-making. Gaucho understands the reality here, and we expect him to speak for us,” she said.
The residents maintained that the move could mark a turning point in improving service delivery at the hospital, particularly if community voices are incorporated into policy and operational decisions.
Gaucho’s appointment has continued to draw mixed reactions nationally, but within Eastlands, many see it as a step towards inclusive governance and a stronger link between public institutions and the communities they serve.
