Senator Allan Chesang of Trans Nzoia has asked the Senate to investigate Trans Nzoia County Government’s recent decision to move health services from Kitale Level 4 Referral Hospital to Kijana Wamalwa Level 4A Hospital.
He raised the matter on the floor of the House yesterday, saying that the move may not have followed proper legal procedures and might affect the quality of healthcare for the people of Trans Nzoia.
Sen. Chesang tasked the Senate Health Committee to find out why the county relocated services from Kitale Hospital, which still has space to grow, to the new Wamalwa hospital, which he says lacks enough skilled health workers.
He also noted that the County Assembly did not consult or approve the move before it was made, which he believes was done without involving the people or following the law.
The Trans Nzoia Senator also asked the committee to investigate how the move has affected patients and find out how many were transferred, if there were any complications, and whether any lives were lost as a result.
Senator Allan Chesang
He emphasised that any changes in health services must be in the public interest and based on proper planning.
In a separate matter, Senator Chesang also called on the Senate Finance and Budget Committee to look into how Trans Nzoia County collects and uses revenue, especially in the health sector. He asked for details about how much money the county collects, the officers in charge, and the systems they use.
He also raised concerns about two key hospital accounts, the Kitale Hospital Social Scheme and the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital account, and wants their current status made clear.
The legislator further questioned the process through which the county ended a contract with Regional Business Collection (RBC), a company that had been handling revenue collection electronically, and whether a new company was hired through a legal and transparent process.
Senator Chesang said the people of Trans Nzoia deserve quality services and transparency in how their money is used. He urged the Senate to ensure that counties follow the law and act in the best interests of their citizens.
The Senate has forwarded the Senator’s concerns to the relevant committees for action.
