Getting to Know Gabriel Nyagetari, Nuru Kenya Healthcare Field Manager

As Nuru works to end extreme poverty in remote rural areas, it is the people who make all the difference. In this series introducing the Healthcare Program’s Field Managers, we will see examples of the dedication that makes it possible to positively impact the lives of the Nuru farmers and their families. First we met Juma Marwa. Today we meet Gabriel Nyagetari. 

Gabriel Nyagetari the Healthcare Field Manager for Isibania Division is often smiling and is always ready to listen to people. His demeanor is both warm and frank. He is ready to face the challenges his community encounters and to support them as they find a way forward. Gabriel was smiling when we sat down for this interview.

Why did you want to join Nuru Kenya?

Well I joined Nuru Kenya after being inspired when they came to our area the first time. All the programs were there (agriculture, CED, healthcare and education), and they explained their purpose, who they are and why they are here and that they came to help the community come out of poverty and make them sustainable.

That immediately attracted my attention [and I thought] that these are the right people who have come to give the good help that we have been missing.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for Nuru farmers in terms of health?

It is a challenge to make the farmers see that the healthy behaviors are something very important for them that they ought to maintain themselves. They stay with sickness around them just because they lack knowledge.

What parts of the Healthcare Field Officer training do you think best prepares Nuru Healthcare Field Officers for working with Nuru farmers and their families on health issues?

The Healthcare basic training curriculum. Particularly the ten healthy behaviors and the application of tailored interpersonal communication and barrier analysis.

What kind of impact do you see Nuru making in the communities we work with in Kenya?

[The] impact is big and clear because most of the community were not using safe clean water and they are now treating their water. Most of them also now see the importance of having and using latrines.

The pregnant women have been impressed with going to ANC (prenatal care) and delivering in a health facility.

What two things do you want us to remember you by?

One, I’m the oldest person in the health program, and two, I can easily agree to change and I also admit mistakes.

Gabriel is passionate about helping the people in his community and is a respected elder in his area. Children hold a special place in Gabriel’s affections. He is very committed to seeing the children in Isibiania have the chance to grow up healthy.