Trans nzoia: Trans Nzoia County has received medical equipment worth Sh30 million, a donation from a United States-based organisation, Unlimited Gospel Ministries International. While receiving the donation at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kitale, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya welcomed the donation, saying it will significantly help improve healthcare services across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Natembeya hailed the partnership between the government and the church, terming the donation a landmark move that will further enhance the strides the county has made in equipping health facilities in the region. ‘Unlimited Gospel Ministries has just proved to be our true friend by fulfilling a promise which they made the last time they visited. This donation will not only help equip our facilities, but it will go a long way to help our people access quality and dignified medical care,’ he said.
Governor Natembeya explained that since 2022, the county has built several health facilities, including Tom Mboya Mother and Child Hospital, Kwanza Sub County Hospital, and Matunda and Kachibora hospitals, which are lacking prerequisite equipment. He emphasized that meaningful partnerships will help ensure these institutions are fully equipped, thus helping to realize the objective of taking quality healthcare to the doorstep of every homestead.
The Governor also revealed plans to expand Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital to ensure quality and timely services, given the increasing demand. He challenged the national government to intervene and ensure that the Social Health Authority (SHA) hastens the disbursement of funds to hospitals, explaining that the delays being experienced are almost paralyzing activities.
Governor Natembeya warned that if the problem is not urgently addressed, hospitals might have no option other than asking patients to pay cash before services are rendered. He noted that hospitals are owed millions and continue to face shortages of nurses, doctors, and clinical officers due to limited resources for recruitment, with any delays for services rendered worsening the situation.
Finance and Economic Planning County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Pepela Wanjala and health counterpart Lorot Kerior welcomed the collaboration between the county and the faith-based organisation, urging other partners to extend similar support. Kerior commended the Governor for his efforts in strengthening equipment programmes to achieve top-tier healthcare aligned with the universal health coverage agenda.
The donated equipment included bariatric, paediatric, Intensive Care Unit, and birthing beds, as well as wheelchairs. The event was attended by County Secretary Truphosa Amere and Chief Officers Dr. Judith Simiyu (Health) and Omar Ndiema (Trade and Industrialisation).
