26th November 2025 is a date that will forever remain etched in my memory. It marked a first in my life, my very first time boarding an airplane, an experience made possible through LVCT Health under the NIHR-SHINE Project..
As preparations began, Ms. Patricia , who was coordinating SHINE activities during the data collection phase, played a crucial role in ensuring I was ready for the journey. She patiently guided me on what to expect, advised me on what to pack, especially considering Kisumu’s warm climate, and, most importantly, reassured me not to be afraid. Her confidence in me reminded me that I had been selected because I was capable and worthy of representing Nairobi CHPs participating in the SHINE Project. That encouragement meant everything.
At exactly 1200 hours, I boarded an Uber from Korogocho and arrived at the iconic Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by 1300 hours, a full hour before departure. There, I met Ms. Patricia and Charity -a Community Health Assistant from Kiambu County. After checking in, I finally had a moment to pause and absorb the magnitude of where I was. Standing in an international airport for the first time, I watched travellers hurry from one corner to another, each carrying their own destination and story. It felt surreal and deeply inspiring.
At 1530 hours, our JamboJet flight took off. As the plane ascended, I found myself suspended between fear and excitement. Being my first flight, every movement felt intense. Luckily, I had a window seat, which quickly became the highlight of my journey. From above, I admired the breathtaking scenery of Nairobi’s landscape, the vast Great Rift Valley, and eventually the stunning Lake Region of Kisumu. What I had always known as an almost eight-hour road journey, took just 50 minutes in the air. By 1630 hours, we had landed at Kisumu International Airport (KIA–DALA). The journey was short, smooth, and remarkably comfortable.
Upon arrival, I was introduced to other members of the SHINE team from LVCT Health, after which we proceeded to our hotel. Kisumu welcomed us with warm weather, friendly faces, and delicious local cuisine, especially the famous Tilapia fish freshly sourced from Lake Victoria. My ensuite hotel room overlooked Kisumu town, offering a calm and beautiful view that perfectly complemented the experience.
The primary purpose of the trip was to attend the 1st Community Health Services & Development Officers Association (CHESOA) Conference. I had the honour of speaking on behalf of CHPs engaged in the SHINE Project, sharing how the study had impacted our lives and the key lessons we had learned along the way. Another of the my memorable moments was witnessing the Governor of Kisumu County, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, officially open the conference as the Chief Guest. His acknowledgment, especially his remarks on the need for fair and improved remuneration for CHPs, was both encouraging and affirming.
Throughout the conference, I interacted with fellow CHPs from various counties across Kenya. I learned about innovative community health practices, exchanged experiences, and gained new skills from different implementing partners and government-led projects. The second day was filled with rich panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions addressing the real challenges CHPs face and exploring best practices for strengthening Level One Community Health Services.
On 28th November, it was time to return to Nairobi. Surprisingly, the excitement of going back to the airport matched the thrill of my first departure. After breakfast, I eagerly awaited our Uber, determined to savour every last moment from the check-in process to one final glance at the beauty of Kisumu. True to form, the flight back took exactly 50 minutes, and we landed safely at JKIA at 1510 hours.
This entire experience is one I will forever cherish, not just personally, but also as a memory I proudly share with my family. Beyond the travel and the conference, the most powerful realisation was discovering that CHPs across the country face remarkably similar challenges, regardless of where they are stationed.
I am deeply grateful to the NIHR-SHINE Project. Through it, I have gained valuable knowledge on healthy coping skills and learned an important truth: while we may not always avoid stress, what truly matters is how we respond to it and navigate through it.
This journey reminded me that growth often begins the moment we step beyond fear, and sometimes, that step starts with boarding a plane for the very first time.
Written by:
Henry Makori, Community Health Promoter
Korogocho, Nairobi County- Kenya.