President William Ruto launched a KSh1 billion hospital expansion in Kitale.
President William Ruto says the expansion will deliver a 300-bed hospital, while accusing Trans Nzoia’s leadership of obstructing healthcare improvements.
President William Ruto has launched a KSh1 billion Kitale hospital upgrade, accusing Governor George Natembeya of delaying the project. The expansion will turn Trans Nzoia County Level 5 Hospital into a modern, 300-bed facility.
Speaking in Kitale during his development tour, Ruto said political differences had hindered cooperation on healthcare. He accused the county leadership of resisting national government efforts to improve the hospital.
However, the governor’s position on the project did not feature in the launch remarks. Ruto’s allegations did not include a response from Natembeya.
Kitale hospital upgrade to expand specialised care
Project details announced at the launch set an eight-month construction target for the expanded facility. Plans include 32 intensive care and high-dependency beds, alongside four operating theatres.
The hospital will also have emergency and outpatient departments, radiology services and laboratory facilities. In addition, the design includes maternity and newborn wings, as well as surgical wards.
The expansion aims to help Trans Nzoia manage more complex medical cases within the county. It should also ease pressure on neighbouring hospitals that receive patients needing specialised treatment.
Ruto said the investment formed part of broader government efforts to bring quality healthcare closer to communities. He also maintained that funding for local health infrastructure was available.
However, he accused the county leadership of frustrating those efforts and prioritising politics over essential services. He claimed residents had nicknamed the hospital “Shakahola” because of fears about seeking treatment there.
Ruto challenges opponents ahead of 2027
At the Kitale rally, Ruto also challenged his political opponents to outline clear proposals before the 2027 General Election. He argued that voters should judge leaders on development plans and accountability.
The President criticised an opposition alliance he described as focused on slogans rather than an alternative governing programme. Instead, he urged his critics to explain how they would address citizens’ needs.
He rejected campaigns centred on demands for a one-term presidency and slogans such as “Kasongo” and “must go”. Ruto also warned politicians against using tribal mobilisation, saying Kenyans would ultimately decide who should lead them.
Housing, electricity and roads feature in Trans Nzoia tour
Meanwhile, Ruto announced KSh18 billion in allocations for development projects across Trans Nzoia County. He said these included 4,000 affordable homes, 15 modern markets and student hostels accommodating 4,000 learners.
He also announced a KSh1 billion investment to connect 10,000 households to electricity through the last-mile programme.
During the tour, Ruto inspected the Maili Tatu Affordable Housing Project in Saboti Constituency. He also flagged off electricity connectivity works and launched construction of the Kambi Miwa-Saboti-Gituambwa road.
In addition, the President commissioned the Kitale Kenya Medical Training College and laid a foundation stone for Kitale National Polytechnic hostels. He performed a similar ceremony for the Kitale Medium Prison Affordable Housing Project.
West Pokot projects include water and sewerage
Earlier in West Pokot, Ruto commissioned the Kapenguria-Makutano town sewerage project and launched electricity connectivity works. He also inspected Makutano Modern Market and laid a foundation stone for student hostels in Kapenguria.
Ruto assured residents that water from the Muruny project would reach their homes by Christmas. He said the government was completing pipeline works to deliver the supply.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi accompanied the President, alongside other senior officials. West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin also attended the tour.
Wetang’ula urged voters to assess leaders by their development records and future plans. Meanwhile, Mudavadi praised Ruto’s regional and international role, saying his leadership had strengthened Kenya’s voice in Africa.
