Natembeya defends delays in Sh1.6 billion Kijana Wamalwa Hospital project

Wamalwa kijana teaching and referral hospital officially launched in Kitale. [DAP-K Party/X]

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya yesterday told the Senate that his administration had decided to operationalise the Kijana Wamalwa Teaching and Referral Hospital, since the Level Four hospital facility that was being used had been condemned.

Natembeya was responding to the committee chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who demanded to know why the completion of the Sh1.6 billion facility had been delayed.

The Senate County Public Accounts Committee sought to know why, despite Phase One of the 350-bed facility being completed in July 2016, the project is only 70 per cent complete despite payment having been made.

“My administration is working to ensure the facility is complete and we are engaging the National Government for support to have it done. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should carry out investigations to establish if there is value for money,” said Natembeya.

Kajwang sought to know why the county had also delayed the completion of the Sh874 million multi-storeyed business complex, which had stalled at 92 per cent, with Sh818 million paid so far, and asked if there were plans to get Sh56 million to ensure the remaining section is completed.

The Governor told Senators that the project is currently 95 per cent complete and that the contractor had abandoned the site in 2024, but the county administration is currently seeking to obtain the ownership documents and intends to have it completed by March 2026.

Kajwang further sought to know why the Kenyatta Stadium in Kitale Town, which had been allocated Sh657 million, was not yet complete, noting that Sh425 million had been paid so far, and said the county needed to explain whether there was value for money.

“The stadium project was 72 per cent complete and the contractor has been tasked to complete the project by February this year. The beacons had already been placed in efforts to rehabilitate and renovate the stadium to modern standards,” said Natembeya.

The committee sought to know about the Sh1.7 billion transfer to other government entities whose accuracy could not be established, with the Governor confirming that the money had been transferred to the relevant government agencies.

Kajwang sought to know what commitment the Governor was giving to clear the Sh26 million gratuity owed to former employees, to which he said that the money would be factored into the supplementary budget and that it was not his administration’s intention not to honour the debt.