Bungoma:Governor Kenneth Lusaka has issued a stern warning to newly appointed Hospital Board Members, emphasizing the potential risks to healthcare delivery if they misuse their positions to influence tenders, meddle in hospital operations, or facilitate the misuse of public resources.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lusaka addressed the swearing-in ceremony of Boards for 11 County hospitals at the Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium, making it clear that his administration will not tolerate any form of corruption in healthcare facilities. He stressed that the roles of Board Members are a responsibility rather than a privilege, urging them to protect public resources, uphold the law, and ensure residents receive quality, affordable, and dignified healthcare.
The Governor highlighted the importance of distinguishing governance from hospital management, advising Board Members to focus on setting policy, approving plans and budgets, monitoring performance, and holding management accountable. He underscored that operational tasks, such as staff deployment and procurement, should remain under the purview of hospital management.
Lusaka further cautioned against unethical practices, including influencing tenders for personal connections, soliciting bribes, and facilitating ghost workers. He called for transparency in disclosing conflicts of interest and warned against using their positions for personal or political gain.
Highlighting the severe consequences of corruption in the health sector, Lusaka stated that the loss of public funds could deprive patients of essential medicines, equipment, and timely treatment. He assured that no one would be shielded from accountability due to their position or connections.
The Governor also addressed issues of nepotism, tribalism, and favouritism, urging fair treatment for all healthcare workers and patients. He encouraged the Boards to establish measurable performance targets, review financial reports, engage with communities, and address infrastructure and resource challenges to improve the County’s health sector.
Lusaka reminded Board Members that their appointments carry clear expectations, urging them to perform their duties with integrity, sound judgment, and compassion, focusing on the impact of their work on people’s lives rather than procedural formalities.
