GOVERNOR OPARANYA LEADS OFFICERS IN REVIEWING KEY COUNTY BILLS
The Executive and Legislative Arms of Kakamega County Government Monday converged to review important Bills; the County Pensions & Health Services Bills. In addition, the team discussed other wide ranging issues aimed at enhancing the lives of Kakamega County residents.
The highlight of the deliberations was the transfer of Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCTRH) to the National Government (NG), as envisaged by Kakamega Governor H.E Dr FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya.
In his remarks, Governor Oparanya said transfer of KCTRH to the NG is the way to go owing to the high costs involved in running a facility of such a magnitude. The initial plan, he explained, was to construct a Level 5 hospital to complement the current County General Hospital, a Level 5 health facility, but players in the health sector found it to be a massive facility matching the standards of a Level 6 Hospital.
“With a total of 32 theatres, KCTRH will be the largest health facility in the Country and it is expected to change Kakamega County once operationalized,” Dr. Oparanya added, noting that Kenyatta National Hospital with 17 theaters, is currently the largest Level 6 Hospital in Kenya.
The National Government has shown interest in completing the construction and management of the county mega health facility which is set to offer specialized medical services to patients from the larger Western region and beyond. A motion has already been tabled at the County Assembly for debate by Honourable Members on transfer of the facility. Once passed, the County Government led by H.E the Governor will scale up negotiations with the National Government for a takeover of the multimillion, 750 bed capacity health facility.
The County boss said interests of Kakamega residents will be factored during the negotiations through a sizeable representation on the Hospital’s Board in addition to consideration of residents for available employment opportunities.
The Health Services Bill also seeks to plough back funds collected from hospitals into the health facilities to enhance healthcare and rejuvenate the health system in Kakamega County.
Deputy Governor Prof. Philip Museve Kutima urged the MCAs’ to expedite passing of the Bill terming it key in provision of essential health services to the residents.
The meeting was also attended by Kakamega County Assembly Speaker Hon. Morris Indakwa Buluma, MCAs, Chair County Public Service Board Madam Catherine Omweno, CECMs, County Secretary and Head of Public Service CPA Amb. James Ochami, Deputy CS Mr Joshua Kutekha, Chief Officers, County Attorney Madam Vivian Mmbaka, Chief of Staff Mr Isaac Omungo, Advisors, CEOs, Directors among other Senior Government officers.