Natembeya pledges completion of Wamalwa Kiijana Referral Hospital in Kitale

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has assured residents that his administration will ensure smooth operations at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kitale once it opens.

Natembeya said his government will complete the remaining facilities at the hospital, which is more than 70 per cent done and is expected to cost over Sh2 billion.

He pledged that essential drugs and equipment would be provided to serve patients effectively.

His remarks came as healthcare services in the county received a boost following the delivery of a Sh35 million consignment of medicines and non-pharmaceutical supplies to Kitale hospital.

The consignment includes drugs for eye care, mental health, and other essential treatments, which will also be distributed across dispensaries, health centres, and subcounty hospitals. County officials said the supplies are expected to last three months.

“This includes eye medication for Kitale Eye Clinic and drugs for the mental health unit,” said Dr Judith Simiyu, the county chief officer for health and sanitation. She praised the governor’s administration for keeping facilities stocked and warned staff against misuse.

“We assure residents these drugs will not be misappropriated. Every health worker must ensure they are used responsibly,” she said.

Hospital board members Fr Micah Kibet and Teresa Metto welcomed the supplies, terming the move a turning point for healthcare in the region.

“With the new hospital board in place, we’ve already begun addressing public concerns, and so far there have been no complaints,” Fr Kibet said.

Metto appealed for unity in the health sector and urged striking nurses to embrace dialogue. “Dialogue is the only way to ensure smooth operations and continued service to our people,” she said, adding that the county was working to improve staff welfare.

Nurses in the county have been on strike for three weeks, demanding that the county government signs a delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement with their union.