Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang and County Assembly Health Services Committee Chairperson Justine Mutwol visited Iten County Referral Hospital to assess concerns raised by the Auditor General, as well as the ongoing doctors’ strike affecting service delivery.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Senator Kisang said the visit was prompted by audit queries submitted to the Senate.
“We came here in regard to health queries that were raised by the Auditor General to the Senate. We wanted to ascertain the status of the issues flagged and the progress made so far,” he said.
Among the key issues raised was the stalled amenity ward, which had been flagged in the audit report. Kisang noted that construction was ongoing and assured residents that progress was being made.
“The amenity facility that was flagged is currently under construction, and by the end of this financial year, the facility will have been roofed. More resources will be allocated to ensure its completion,” he stated.
The senator also highlighted the absence of a proper accounting system at the hospital, revealing that steps were underway to address the gap.
“The hospital did not have an accounting system, but we have noted that there is a supplier currently undertaking the task. Between now and the end of the financial year, the accounting module will be operationalized,” he said.
On asset management, Kisang pointed out that valuation had not been conducted but indicated that the national government had begun handing over assets to the county.
“There is a valuer on site to undertake the exercise, and for medical equipment, the valuation will be based on the cost of acquisition,” he explained.
However, the Senator expressed concern over the acute shortage of medical personnel at the facility, a situation worsened by the ongoing doctors’ strike. He revealed that the matter was already before the courts.
“The issue of striking doctors is in court, and there is already an order directing them to return to work and engage in round-table talks to reach an amicable solution,” he said.
Kisang pointed out that the strike had severely affected healthcare services, noting that bed occupancy had dropped drastically.
“The bed capacity at the hospital is currently at about 10 percent because of the strike. It is the patients who suffer most, and we urge the doctors to resume duty,” he added.
He further called on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to carefully review doctors’ promotion demands.
“We want SRC to look into the promotion of doctors beyond Job Group R to S, but also consider whether counties have the financial capacity to sustain such decisions,” he noted.
On his part, Mutwol said the visit was part of the County Assembly’s oversight mandate to address challenges facing the hospital.
“This is an oversight meeting to look into the challenges facing this facility, including the ongoing doctors’ strike and operational gaps,” he said.
He acknowledged that the hospital was grappling with financial and structural constraints but emphasized the need for dialogue.
“We have identified financial and structural challenges affecting service delivery. While some of the doctors’ demands can be addressed through their unions, others may not be met immediately,” he explained.
Mutwol urged healthcare workers to resume duty in compliance with the court directive.
“The matter is already in court, and the decision was clear; doctors should return to work first before any further negotiations,” he said.
He also faulted the medics for not engaging the County Assembly before downing their tools.
“Before going on strike, they should have come to the County Assembly for mediation. We are here to represent the people and help find solutions,” he concluded.
By Rennish Okong’o
