By Saliamo Naibei

Trans Nzoia County Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi Walubengo has criticised Governor George Natembeya over his opposition to President William Ruto’s proposal to construct a KSh1 billion Level Five referral hospital in the county.

Siyoi accused the governor of opposing a project she says could significantly improve healthcare services and expand access to specialised medical care for residents of Trans Nzoia.

Speaking about the proposed facility, the Woman Representative said President Ruto had visited the region and introduced a contractor expected to undertake the construction of the hospital within eight months.

“Si mliskia Rais alikuwa hapa, akaleta contractor ambaye atakuja kutujengea hiyo hospitali na amesema ataijenga chini ya miezi nane. Inajengwa na KSh1 billion, Level Five hospital,” Siyoi said.

She questioned why Natembeya would oppose the project, arguing that the construction of a higher-level referral facility would contribute to the county’s development and improve healthcare delivery.

In her remarks, Siyoi referred to the governor as “Pharaoh” while criticising his reported position on the proposed hospital, adding to the political exchanges surrounding the project.

“Pharaoh anapinga ati hiyo hospitali isitengenezwe. Ashindwe, asishindwe? Lakini mtu mwenye anapinga maendeleo, mkiona akili yake inafanya?” she said.

The exchange highlights growing political differences between leaders in Trans Nzoia over the proposed health facility, with the project becoming a subject of public debate.

A Level Five referral hospital is intended to provide more advanced medical services than lower-level facilities, potentially reducing the need for patients to travel outside the county to seek specialised treatment, depending on the services and capacity established.

The proposed project is expected to attract public interest as residents assess its potential benefits, including access to specialised healthcare, improved referral services and the possible reduction of pressure on existing health facilities.

However, the concerns raised by Siyoi remain political allegations, and Governor Natembeya’s detailed response to her latest remarks was not included in the information available for this report.

The debate over the proposed KSh1 billion hospital is likely to remain a key issue in Trans Nzoia as leaders discuss the county’s healthcare priorities and the implementation of development projects.