Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, June 17, donated Ksh2.1 million towards the heart-to-heart walk.
While flagging off the event organised by the Karen Hospital, Gachagua noted that the walks were a noble undertaking aimed at helping raise funds for children suffering from heart diseases.
The DP noted that a number of families were struggling to raise money to help their children get heart surgeries due to their high costs.
He also noted that the programme was aligned with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto on offering quality and affordable health care to Kenyans.
"Open heart surgery at KNH costs between Ksh350,000 to Ksh450,000 while close heart surgery ranges between Ksh150,000 to Ksh250,000. The cost may increase after the procedure.
"I have raised Ksh2.1 million for this course, " he announced.
Gachagua also praised the organisers led by Dr Dan Gikonyo noting that the program offered a reprieve to many families struggling to access medication.
In his speech, he indicated that over 200,000 children in Kenya were in need of heart-related treatment and surgeries.
"It is for sure beyond the reach of families at the bottom of the social economic pyramid. This has sunk and locked families in poverty as others call for contributions and harambees.
"The President is implementing reforms in the health sector, especially the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). We are determined to ensure success in quality healthcare," he added.
At the event, he also participated in the walk and interacted with the children present before leaving for Meru County.
Gachagua was accompanied by Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o and the county's Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
