National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to elevate Bungoma District Hospital to a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital, describing it as a “game changer” for healthcare in the region.
Speaking during a public forum in Bungoma, Wetang’ula emphasized that the move will significantly reduce the need for residents to seek treatment in distant facilities such as Eldoret and Nairobi.
“Our people will no longer have to travel long distances for specialized care. Quality healthcare is coming closer to home,” he said.
The hospital’s new status places it under the management of the National Government, paving the way for the installation of modern medical equipment, recruitment of specialist staff, and the introduction of advanced services.
Wetang’ula also encouraged Kibabii University to seize the opportunity by establishing a medical training program that would align with the hospital’s new mandate.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli echoed the Speaker’s remarks, calling the upgrade “a transformative step that will change the lives of our people.”
He noted that the hospital’s elevation was long overdue and would serve not just Bungoma but the greater Western Kenya region.
Beyond healthcare, Wetang’ula addressed other pressing regional concerns.
In a bold declaration aimed at tackling systemic delays in the issuance of national identity cards, the Speaker announced that the government had abolished unofficial charges and discriminatory vetting practices that have long burdened applicants.
“Every Kenyan deserves an ID. That is a right—not a favour,” he stated. He further revealed that all Form Four students will now be issued ID cards before they leave school.
Turning to the plight of local farmers, Wetang’ula expressed concern about ongoing exploitation in the coffee industry.
He promised that the County Government would restructure factory leadership to eliminate corruption and give farmers more control.
“We will place power back into the hands of those who till the land,” he said.
Senator Wakoli backed the reforms, asserting that “coffee farmers have been defrauded by corrupt cooperatives for too long. We must remove these bad actors and help our people reclaim their livelihoods.”
Bungoma MP John Makali joined in, praising the Cabinet’s decision to upgrade the hospital and calling for renewed efforts to ensure peace and security throughout the country.
He urged a reorganization of the police force and the reinstatement of community patrols to help rebuild public trust in law enforcement.
