BUNGOMA, Kenya – Senator David Wafula Wakoli has called on the Bungoma County government, led by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, to address the deteriorating health system in Tongaren Constituency.
This follows an impromptu visit to Ndalu Health Centre in Ndalu Tabani Ward, Makutano-Brigadier Health Centre in Soysambu Mitua Ward, and Tongaren Health Centre in Tongaren Ward.
“As your senator, it is my role and duty to check the status of our markets, hospitals, roads, bursaries, and sports. All these need time so that I can listen to you and do whatever I can do about it,” said Wakoli.
During the visit, Wakoli noted several challenges affecting service delivery, including the lack of an X-ray machine and ultrasound services, staff shortages, drug shortages, and the need to upgrade the facilities’ ambulance.
“I have gone to one of the hospitals, and there is no running water in all the wards. I have also learned that there are not enough drugs. I have only seen painkillers, but there are no other drugs,” added the senator.
The state of Ndalu Health Centre
Senator Wakoli expressed concern that the maternity wing at Ndalu Health Centre, initiated in 2024, remains stalled after the contractor abandoned the project.
“The maternity wing has only 6 beds, the same as the men’s ward. I have gone to the hospital; there is no hope. The ambulance is in a sorry state,” lamented Wakoli.
He urged the county government to urgently address these issues and complete the maternity wing to complement the new Safaricom Foundation maternity facility, which is nearing completion.
“Unfortunately, the Safaricom Foundation is completing its program here, yet the ambulance here, which was a donation and expected to be converted to government property so that it is placed under insurance, is yet to be picked up by the relevant authorities,” he added.
At Makutano Health Centre in Soysambu/Mitua Ward, Tongaren Constituency, the outpatient and maternity wings that began construction in 2018 remain incomplete, denying residents essential services.
Inside the Tongaren Model Health Centre
The facility is also facing drug shortages, reports of expired medicines, understaffing, a lack of an ambulance, and poor security due to the absence of a perimeter wall. Senator Wakoli called on the CEC for Health to personally visit health facilities and take immediate corrective action.
The senator also visited Tongaren Model Health Centre to assess the status of service delivery. The senator identified several urgent issues, including the lack of an X-ray machine, a full haemogram machine, a mobile first aid kit for the ambulance, gaps in records management, an unsecured incinerator, inadequate storage for expired drugs, and a laundry room that needs improvement.
“This county is large, challenges are many, but I am here to deal with the administration of Lusaka and all county employees who are non-performers,” said Wakoli.
Wakoli, serving his first term in the Senate, urged Governor Lusaka’s administration to strengthen oversight of public health facilities and fast-track interventions to improve the quality of healthcare services available to the people of Tongaren.
“Whenever I push for some of these things to be dealt with, he (the governor) insults me. But that is not the shape of my heart. I am elected on a Ford Kenya party ticket just like him, but since you gave me the role of oversight, let everyone serve their roles as per the law,” explained Wakoli.
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