By Tony Wafula
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has issued promotion letters to 305 healthcare workers, describing the move as a “historic milestone” in strengthening health services across the county. The promotions covered 117 nurses, 36 clinical officers, 18 laboratory officers, 17 public health officers, 11 pharmaceutical technologists, and other specialists.
Governor Lusaka said the exercise was not merely about changing titles but about recognising 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 said.
He stressed that the initiative formed 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 added.
In addition, the governor announced 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.
Turning to the Sh7.5 billion African Development Bank hospital project, Lusaka dismissed claims by some county leaders opposing the relocation of the proposed Level 6 facility to Sichei in Kabuchai Constituency. He explained that experts had already approved a pre-feasibility study, identifying Sichei as the most suitable location.
“This hospital will serve all residents of Bungoma, not just one ward or constituency. The current Level 5 facility will remain in Bungoma town. I call on leaders to put aside personal interests and rally behind development that benefits everyone,” he said.
He further argued that every constituency has benefited from projects under his administration. The Sh7.5 billion facility was initially earmarked for Kanduyi Constituency but was later controversially relocated to Sichei, sparking political wrangles, accusations of bias, and concerns of uneven development.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka alleged that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Governor Lusaka unilaterally decided to move the project to Kabuchai to serve their own political interests. “This facility was approved by the Cabinet to elevate Bungoma County Referral Hospital to Level 6, but Wetang’ula and Lusaka have changed that decision,” Wamboka claimed.
The legislator argued that Bungoma County Referral Hospital had sufficient land to host the project, suggesting instead that the new facility could have been constructed on idle airstrip land or within Bungoma National Polytechnic (formerly Sang’alo Institute of Science and Technology) to keep it in Kanduyi Constituency.
Wamboka further claimed that Bumula Constituency had long been sidelined in development projects and government appointments. “I don’t understand why Wetang’ula claims to be our leader when my constituency continues to lag behind in development. We have no serious appointments to government, yet we are told that Wetang’ula is our leader,” he said.
He also accused Wetang’ula and Lusaka of being complicit in the failed privatisation of key industries in Bungoma. “When Webuye Pan Paper was sold, I was not yet an MP, but when Nzoia Sugar was sold to Rai Group, I opposed it. They went ahead, and today all workers have been sacked,” Wamboka argued.
He concluded by challenging Wetang’ula and Lusaka to explain to the people of Bungoma why the Level 6 hospital was relocated to Kabuchai.
