By Wilson Waganda
The National Government is to construct a Level Six hospital in Bungoma County to improve health service delivery in the region.
Bungoma Governor Mr Ken Lusaka said the African Development Bank has already approved funds for the construction of the facility.
“We have already identified the location for the new facility and I challenge our people to buy land in that area and invest. The Government will improve the road networks at the facility,” he said.
Lusaka asked the local leaders to stop politicising and misinforming the public about the project in funerals, but instead to support its actualisation to benefit the region.
He said the new facility will not interfere with the already existing Level Four hospital in the county.
At the same time, the Governor handed over promotion letters to 3,025 healthcare workers, marking what he termed a “historic milestone” in improving health services across the county.
The promotions cut across all cadres, including 117 nurses, 36 clinical officers, 18 lab officers, 17 public health officers, 11 pharmaceutical technologists, and other specialists. Governor Lusaka said the move was not merely a change in titles, but a recognition of the sacrifices made by frontline health workers.
“Every day you stand as the shield between life and death, between despair and hope. These promotions are a testament to your dedication and a promise of greater responsibility,” Lusaka told the gathering at the county headquarters.
He emphasised that the initiative was part of his administration’s broader health manifesto aimed at making healthcare “a right, not a privilege” for every resident. “When I promised to strengthen our workforce and improve our facilities, this is the fulfilment of that pledge. No machine, no building can save lives without the human face of healthcare,” he said.
In addition to the promotions, Lusaka announced the signing of new partnerships with development agencies to boost infrastructure, training, and medical supplies. He assured the newly promoted officers of his administration’s full support, urging them to serve with humility and purpose.
“This is not the end, but a new beginning. The people of Bungoma are entrusting you with their lives. Wear your new ranks with pride and lead with compassion,” he said.
The Governor concluded by reaffirming his Government’s commitment to ensuring no mother dies while giving birth and no child is lost due to delayed healthcare, calling on all stakeholders to unite for a healthier and stronger Bungoma.
