Natembeya warns suppliers against price gouging

Trans Nzoia Governor Dr. George Natembeya Monday warned suppliers not to inflate the prices of essential items listed by the public procurement Regulatory Authority  which focuses on fairness , transparency .

The County boss said this at the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital while receiving assorted medical equipment from Bishop Ian Warren of the United States of America .

The governor told those at the department of Procurement to look at sustainability and inclusion of proper practice that emphasizes on fairness especially when awarding tenders to suppliers some of whom had become rogue to the point of charging a hospital Ksh. 200 per single cabbage.

Natembeya's warning comes after reports of possible price infiltrations at several medical institutions including the giant Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital leaked.

" I'm told there are suppliers selling a single cabbage at  Ksh 200. It is evil for suppliers to engage in profiteering at the expense of patients at the hospital ", he warned.

The County boss said the  goods and services in question are those which relate to basic food and consumer items, emergency products and services, medical and hygiene supplies, as well as emergency clean-up products and services.

He  pledged better healthcare in all health facilities in the County ,  solidifying this with a landmark 30 million health partnership with Bishop Ian Warren  from the U.S. , the Rotary society and the George Natembeya Foundation that aims at boosting   health coverage ,  strengthening better health care  , improve facilities, expand workforce, and tackle non communicable diseases.

He said his administration will continue partnering with other stakeholders willing to support primary healthcare, disease surveillance, digital health, and workforce development.

Natembeya said his opposition to the National government over its failure to pay counties for services offered using the  Social Health Authority (SHA) doesn’t mean it was disrespectful, adding that if it meant being brandes antigovernment so be it.

Finance and economic Planning CECM  Dr. Wanjala Pepela, his Health Counterpart  Lorot Kerior lauded the partnership between the County Government of Trans Nzoia and the faith based organizations led by Bishop Warren and asked other well wishers to follow suit.

The Wamalwa kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital Board  Chairman Professor   Ferdinand Nang’ole  lauded the County administration through the initiatives of the governor   for support that included equipment programs and achieving top healthcare that align with the  agenda for  Universal Health Coverage to its over 1.3 million residents.  The function was attended by County Secretary Truphosa Amere, Chief Officers Dr. Judith Simiyu ( Health), Omar  ndiema (  Trade and industrialization, Board Members Ronald Griffin Wasilwa , Teresia Metto, Hospital Director  Dr. Kisiang’any. Medical Superintendent Dr. Lilian Lipesa and Director  of Communications Dr. Felix Sialo .

Bishop Stephen Ruto of the Unlimited Gospel Ministry and Bishop Emmanuel Simiyu led a high powered delegation of Bishops and Pastors to grace the Occasion.