Wamalwa Kijana Memorial Hospital: Natembeya Renames Trans Nzoia County Referral Facility, To Open In December

• Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya said he would complete all pending development projects initiated by his predecessor for the benefit of the locals
• Natembeya said the facility would ensure locals access high-quality medical care without travelling to neighbouring counties
• He said the hospital would offer services at subsidised rates to ensure access by ordinary citizens, committing to ensure it's up and functioning by December 2023

Trans Nzoia - Healthcare services in Trans Nzoia county and the larger North Rift are set to receive a boost following the handover of a 400-bed teaching and referral hospital to the county.

Governor George Natembeya, who presided over the handover, said the Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital, which is 80% done, had been renamed after former vice president Michael Kijana Wamalwa.

The facility will henceforth be known as Wamalwa Kijana Memorial Hospital, according to Natembeya.

The facility, whose construction started during the tenure of former governor Patrick Khaemba has been officially handed over to the county.

Natembeya reiterated his commitment to complete all pending development projects initiated by his predecessor to benefit the locals.

"This facility will transform both the status of medical services and economy. About 1000 people will be employed. With a bed capacity of at least 400 and specialised services, the healthcare will massively improve," Natembeya said.

Speaking on Friday, August 4, Natembeya was optimistic that, on completion, the facility would ensure locals access high-quality medical care without travelling to neighbouring counties.

New hospital to ease congestion

Once complete, the project aligned to the Universal Health Coverage development pillar, is expected to alleviate congestion at the Kitale Referral Hospital and cater for the healthcare needs of people from Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Eastern Uganda.

Benefiting from the proximity of Kitale airstrip and Eldoret International Airport, the hospital aims to attract health experts from other countries who can contribute to the growth of specialised healthcare services provision.

The governor further emphasised that the hospital will contribute significantly to the county's economy by creating business opportunities for residents involved in supplying goods and services for its day-to-day running.

He also announced plans to establish an internship programme to train up to 1000 medical students annually.

The hospital's projected annual revenue is estimated to exceed KSh 4 billion, and its specialised services are expected to reduce the need for external referrals.

Natembeya launches milk programme

On Thursday, July 13, Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya presided over the launch of the ECDE school milk pilot programme at Kitale Showground Primary School.

Natembeya also commissioned an improved ECDE classroom and confirmation of ECDE teachers.

Before that, the county boss had an opportunity to take young ECDE learners through a Swahili lesson.

"Today, I am also your teacher. I am called teacher Natembeya. Today, I am going to teach you about good manners," Natembeya told the learners.