Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has fired a warning shot at political leaders plotting to drag the newly approved Level 6 Hospital project into partisan wars, cautioning that reckless politicking could jeopardize what he calls a “once-in-a-generation” healthcare investment.
Addressing county leaders and stakeholders at Kibabii University, Lusaka defended the KSh7.5 billion African Development Bank (AfDB)-funded facility, saying its success hinges on unity, not rivalries.
“This hospital is bigger than all of us. It is a legacy project for Bungoma, Western Kenya, and beyond. If we reduce it to petty politics, we will be betraying millions of residents who desperately need advanced healthcare,” Lusaka declared, drawing applause from a section of the audience.
Sichei Chosen as Ground Zero for Health Revolution
The governor confirmed that Sichei in Kabuchai Constituency has been earmarked as the site for the medical complex following a pre-feasibility study. Once operational, the hospital will provide specialized care for terminal illnesses, attract top medical professionals, and inject new life into the county’s economy through infrastructure expansion and job creation.
“This is not just a hospital—it is an economic lifeline,” Lusaka emphasized.
National Backing, Regional Impact
Industrialization Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana, representing the Ministry of Health, assured residents that all legal and financial processes are on course, with groundbreaking slated for March 2026 once Treasury and AfDB finalize agreements.
“This project will not only uplift Bungoma but reposition the Western region as a hub for advanced medical care. It’s time to shift from words to action,” Dr. Mukhwana asserted.
Politics vs Progress
Despite the optimism, murmurs of political interference loom. Local leaders are reportedly divided over the siting of the hospital, with some pushing for alternative locations. Lusaka, however, urged restraint, insisting that development should take precedence over political ambitions.
Analysts say the mega project, if completed, could tilt future political dynamics in the region, with leaders scrambling to claim credit. But for now, Lusaka is adamant: “Healthcare is not a campaign tool—it is a right.”
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