Cancer patients in Kericho County will soon breathe a sigh of relief following a proposal to establish a fully equipped cancer centre at Kericho Referral Hospital.
While expressing his concern, the area Governor Eric Mutai said cancer patients within the County had for many years endured long trips to neighbouring counties to seek oncological attention due to a lack of a specialised facility and equipment within the county to handle such critical medical cases.
Dr Mutai who addressed the inaugural sitting of the third County Assembly of Kericho proposed to the house his desire to build an oncology centre in Kericho urging the Members of the County Assembly to support the move by increasing the budgetary allocation to the health department.
The increased budgetary allocation to the health department the governor explained, would also improve the state of the health facilities within the county adding that improved healthcare was his priority.
“Healthcare tops the list of my priorities and from a tour to the Referral Hospital, I noted that the facility had no medicine and drugs, specialized facilities and crucial equipment were lacking and that is why I am requesting the County Assembly to raise the budgetary allocation for health” reiterated Dr Mutai.
The official opening of the first session of the third County Assembly of Kericho came barely a week after the Assembly members took the oath of office and elected the speaker, Dr Patrick Mutai, who served in the previous County Government as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Finance.
“I congratulate all the 47 Members of County Assembly on your election to this house of honour. I also congratulate the Honourable Speaker Dr Patrick Mutai, and may he rise to the occasion and discharge his mandate with distinction and within the constitution timelines,” remarked Dr Mutai.
The governor further assured the County Assembly of his support calling on them to deliver their legislative roles with diligence while calling for unity, cooperation and constant consultation between the two arms of government, to ensure a seamless system of service delivery to the citizens of Kericho.
“I want to assure you that I am more than ready together with my team to always have a robust discourse with the Assembly on matters of service delivery,” Dr Mutai added.
The Kericho County Assembly comprises 30 elected MCAs and 17 nominated MCAs.
By Kibe Mburu
