Because of the cross-fertilization from different groups and sectors, the Committees have expanded beyond simple health care to efforts involving sanitation, water supply and solid waste disposal. The Committees have also acted as a focal point in helping to coordinate visits of mobile health clinics, which are run by the government. Coordination is needed because sometimes the mobile clinics fail to show up on the appointed day, often for want of money for fuel or to pay the nurse. The Committees have occasionally worked to help raise the needed extra funds. The fact that the Committees are composed of representatives of different religions has also helped to soothe ethnic tensions.
Tribal identity is intense throughout Kenya, sometimes leading to prejudice.
Individual churches are usually populated by members of a single tribe, and sometimes members of other tribes are excluded from their activities. Bringing various religious representatives together on one Committee has helped foster cooperation and cut down on exclusion. So far, some 24 village health committees have been established, said Mr. Bounaventure Wafula, the project administrator. Chiefs and government officials are recognizing this and they are very supportive of this project. They learn to take interest in their own family health care and actively participate in consultation.