Mulembe TimesBungoma, Kenya – May 3, 2025
Bungoma county Governor Keneth Lusaka with President William Ruto at a Past function
In a historic move set to transform the healthcare landscape in western Kenya, the national Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Level VI teaching and referral hospital in Bungoma County. The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on April 29, 2025, positions Bungoma to join the ranks of Kenya’s most advanced medical institutions.
The announcement was met with jubilation across the region, as the new hospital promises to expand access to specialized medical services, improve health outcomes, and generate economic opportunities through employment and medical training.
“This is a turning point for Bungoma and the entire western region,” said Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka. “For the first time, our people will access the highest level of healthcare without traveling to Nairobi or Eldoret. We are deeply grateful to the national government for recognizing the urgent need for such a facility in our county.”
A Major Boost for Universal Health Coverage
The Level VI hospital will be a teaching and referral facility, modeled after national institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Kenyatta University Referral Hospital. These facilities not only handle advanced and complex medical cases but also serve as training hubs for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
The Bungoma hospital project is a core part of the government’s strategy to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by reducing regional disparities in healthcare access. Bungoma, with its fast-growing population and limited specialist services, was identified as a priority location alongside Kericho County, which also received Cabinet approval for a similar facility.
According to the Cabinet dispatch, the new hospitals will “boost the government’s agenda to roll out Universal Health Coverage and provide equitable access to advanced healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.”
Backing from African Development Bank
The construction of the Bungoma Level VI hospital will be funded in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). Preliminary reports suggest that the hospital will feature modern infrastructure, cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, a high-capacity emergency unit, surgical theatres, oncology and dialysis centres, as well as a medical school to train the next generation of health professionals.
The inclusion of training components is critical, as it will enable the hospital to serve as a hub for medical research, internships, and continuous professional development, further strengthening Bungoma’s healthcare system.
“The idea is not just to treat patients, but to create a centre of excellence in healthcare and medical education,” said a senior health official involved in the project.
Local Leaders and Residents React
The news has been met with excitement among local leaders, health workers, and ordinary residents alike. Senator Moses Wetang’ula described the Cabinet’s approval as “a win for the people of western Kenya” and called on all stakeholders to ensure that the hospital’s implementation is swift and transparent.
For many residents, the approval is the answer to a long-standing struggle. For decades, families in Bungoma and neighboring counties have been forced to travel hundreds of kilometers to Nairobi or Eldoret for specialized treatment — often at great financial and emotional cost.
“This is a dream come true,” said Grace Wekesa, a resident of Webuye whose son has required regular travel to Eldoret for pediatric care. “We have waited for so long. This hospital will save lives and money.”
Healthcare workers also see the move as a motivation to stay and serve locally. “Many of our best doctors leave because of limited facilities. With a Level VI hospital here, we will be able to retain top talent,” said Dr. Patrick Simiyu, a medical officer in Bungoma.
What Comes Next
While timelines for construction are yet to be publicly released, officials from the Ministry of Health are expected to work closely with Bungoma County’s leadership to commence planning and procurement. Environmental assessments, land acquisition, and community engagement will be key steps in the early stages.
Governor Lusaka confirmed that the county has already identified possible locations for the facility and is ready to provide necessary support for expedited implementation.
“We are ready. We will provide land, utilities, and logistical assistance to ensure this project begins without delay,” he said.
A New Era in Western Kenya Healthcare
With the Cabinet’s green light and backing from the African Development Bank, Bungoma now stands on the cusp of a major healthcare revolution. The Level VI hospital, once completed, is expected not only to serve Bungoma residents but also to act as a referral center for Trans Nzoia, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and parts of Uganda.
As the country deepens its commitment to UHC and decentralization of health services, Bungoma’s new role as a regional medical hub signals a brighter, healthier future for millions in the region.
