Kakamega County will spend Sh150 million to set up a new Butere Level Four Hospital, to improve provision of health services to residents.
Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said already Sh100 million has been put in the budget for the project.
“Construction of the Hospital will start anytime from now because there is money for the project and we have followed all the laid down procedures,” said Governor Oparanya.
He explained that he decided to construct a modern hospital because the Butere Sub- County Hospital was too old and required a lot of resources to elevate it.
The Governor noted that the County will construct a modern mortuary at a cost of Sh20 million among other facilities that will make the Hospital qualify to be elevated to Level Four status.
Oparanya was speaking during a public participation meeting at Butere Girls High School playground.
He noted that his decision to set up the State-of-the-Art Hospital was informed by the myriad challenges that faced the current Sub- County facility.
Oparanya revealed that plans are underway to build a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Butere on a 10 acre of land.
“I am working with the National Government to ensure that the college is completed before the next General Elections,” said Oparanya.
The Governor used the meeting to highlight his government’s achievement in the Sub- County since he took over power
He said the Sub- County has gotten a share of tarmacked roads alongside having rural roads gravelled under the 10 kilometers ward-based road programme.
The Governor noted that 23 Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Centres have been constructed and construction of three more was ongoing.
The County has employed 170 ECDE teachers and 21 Polytechnic instructors.
He said enrollment of ECDE learners has gone up from 6,497 leaders to 10,849 learners.
He added that introduction of farm input subsidy programme has helped to improve food production in the area.
The Governor said 150 houses have been built for the poor under the shelter programme in the Sub County.
He said the last census conducted by the County revealed that the Sub-County has 1,675 people living with disability who he promised to support uplift their living standards.
Deputy Governor, Philip Kutima, said public participation meetings helped wananchi get factual information on development agenda of the County and end misinformation in the public.
He used the function to lure residents into supporting his bid to succeed Governor Oparanya, who he said he has learned a lot from him.
County Secretary and Head of Public Service, James Ochami, CECMs led by Rachael Okumu (Public Service and County Administration), MCAs, Chief Officers, Chairperson Public Service Board, Catherine Omweno, were among officers present.
By John Ochanda
