President Kenyatta lauded Governor Oparanya for the establishment of the facility and called on other Governors across the country to follow suit so as to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the people/PSCU
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Oct 21 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated his commitment to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
The Head of State noted that since health services are devolved, County governments ought to partner and work closely with the national government to make affordable healthcare a reality.
“The two levels of government can work together on aspects of staffing, equipment and structural development,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State spoke during an extensive tour of the Kakamega County Referral Hospital to assess recent improvements in facilities and service delivery.
President Kenyatta, accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, also toured the new Sh6.3 billion, 750-bed capacity Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCTRH) which is currently under construction.
He was informed that the facility, which rests on a 10-acre piece of land, will be integrated with the current Kakamega County Referral Hospital and will employ over 5,000 health professionals when fully operational.
President Kenyatta lauded Governor Oparanya for the establishment of the facility and called on other Governors across the country to follow suit so as to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the people.
“Governor Oparanya has started major projects like the rehabilitation of Bukhungu stadium, construction of this referral hospital from scratch and modernization of the road network, which the populace of Kakamega will pride themselves in,” said the President.
Governor Oparanya assured the President of his full support for the Big 4 Agenda. The Kakamega County Governor noted that the new facility will supplement and decongest the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
“This facility will be constructed in three phases. Phase one is currently underway, phase two will be launched next year while phase three will be launched in 2020,” Governor Oparanya informed the President.
The Governor also requested the national government to assist in equipping the new facility which he said will require equipment and furniture worth Sh2.1 billion when complete.
Governor Oparanya added that besides the new KCTRH, his government was constructing two new level four hospitals in Mumias and Shinyalu sub counties at a cost of Sh200 million each.
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