Residents of the Western region are set to benefit from improved access to healthcare following the Cabinet’s decision last week to elevate Bungoma District Hospital to a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital, placing it in the same category as Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.
The elevation of the facility now places it under the National Government, translating to installation of ultramodern equipment, better staffing, and access to specialised care.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula lauded the move as a game changer.
“Our people will no longer have to travel to Eldoret for treatment. Quality healthcare is coming closer to home,” he said.
He also urged Kibabii University to seize the opportunity by developing a comprehensive medical program to support the growing health sector in the region.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli echoed the Speaker’s sentiments terming the elevation “a transformative step that will change the lives of our people.”
Speaker Wetang’ula also commended government’s recent decision to scrap unofficial fees and discriminatory practices often levelled on those seeking the crucial document.
“Every Kenyan deserves an ID, that is a right, not a favour,” Wetang’ula stated.
Moving forward, all Form Four students will receive ID cards before exiting school.
Wetang’ula also affirmed that the County Government will restructure factory leadership to protect farmers from exploitation.
“We will place power back into the hands of those who till the land,” he said.
Senator Wakoli supported the call, noting that “coffee farmers have been defrauded by corrupt cooperatives for too long. We must remove these bad actors and help our people reclaim their livelihoods.”
