Governor Has Never Funded My Office' – Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek Breaks Silence

Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek has publicly raised concerns over what she described as persistent challenges facing her office, claiming that a lack of funding has crippled her ability to effectively serve residents since assuming office.

Speaking on Sunday during a fundraiser to support the construction of St. Kizito Catholic Church in Chebiemit, Moiben Kuserwo Ward, Prof. Cheserek said her office has not received the financial support that had been promised, making it difficult to carry out official duties.

She said the Office of the Deputy Governor has operated without adequate funding, leaving her unable to recruit staff or facilitate movement across the county to engage with residents and oversee development initiatives.

The Deputy Governor noted that the situation has significantly limited the effectiveness of her office, despite her commitment to serving the people of Elgeyo Marakwet.

Prof. Cheserek also expressed concern over the state of Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH), saying the facility continues to struggle under heavy debt while patients face challenges accessing quality healthcare services.

According to her, more effort is needed to revive the hospital and improve service delivery, arguing that residents deserve better healthcare facilities and management.

On education, the Deputy Governor criticized what she termed as an imbalance in the distribution of tertiary institutions across the county.

She observed that key institutions, including the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and a Teachers Training College, have all been established in Marakwet East, leaving other parts of the county underserved.

Prof. Cheserek revealed that she had previously proposed Chebiemit in Marakwet West as a more strategic and central location for a university, saying the proposal would have promoted equitable access to higher education for residents from different parts of the county. However, she said no action has been taken on the proposal.

Turning to politics, the Deputy Governor urged residents to begin preparing for the 2027 General Election, noting that apart from the Presidency, all elective seats will be contested.

She reminded wananchi that leadership is determined by the people through the ballot, encouraging them to remain united and make informed decisions when the time comes.

Prof. Cheserek concluded by calling for fairness, accountability and balanced development across all wards in Elgeyo Marakwet County, saying every region deserves equal opportunities in development, education and healthcare regardless of its location.