Laikipia screening flags eye problems among 3,000 learners

A mass screening of 17,714 schoolchildren across 177 schools in Laikipia County has revealed that over 3,000 learners need eye drops, according to the county government. During World Sight Day activities on October 9, 2026, 130 pupils were found to require glasses, while 24 others were referred for further medical attention. Health officials, including Eunice Mwangi from World Vision, highlighted that eye problems can go unnoticed, especially in children who might not readily communicate difficulties seeing clearly.

Short-sightedness was among the conditions identified in children, while cataracts were a concern among adults over 50. The screenings also revealed that some drivers had undiagnosed eye issues. Driver David Ngatia, for instance, discovered his vision was not as good as he thought after the examination. Mwaniki Gichere, chairman of the drivers' union, noted that drivers' needs varied, with some requiring glasses, others medication, and some no treatment needed at all.

Poor eyesight can significantly impact a driver's ability to identify road signs, pedestrians, and obstacles, particularly at night or in bad weather. Dr. Albert Wagura Taiti, a Laikipia Health Services official, said individuals needing specialized treatment could be referred to health facilities in Nanyuki, Nyahururu, and Rumuruti.

Taiti himself found he had difficulty reading despite believing his eyesight was normal. Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri emphasized the importance of regular eye examinations to detect issues before they worsen. The driver screening comes ahead of the festive season, when road traffic is expected to increase. The findings underscore eye health as one of several factors affecting road safety, alongside vehicle condition, speeding, driver fatigue, road design, and adherence to traffic rules.