Governors in Kenya are advocating for a new approach to the division of revenue between the national and county governments, with a focus on the disease burden in various regions. Siaya Governor James Orengo, during the launch of construction works for a maternity and laboratory wing at Nyang’u Health Centre in West Ugenya, emphasized the need to factor in disease burden when determining how funds are allocated across counties. He pointed out that many counties, particularly in Nyanza, are grappling with high disease burdens, which significantly strains their resources.
Governor Orengo argued that counties like Siaya, which experience a higher prevalence of diseases, require more resources to ensure the health and well-being of their residents. “We have asked that the basis of the division of revenue should include the parameter of the disease burden,” he stated. This, according to Orengo, would allow counties with higher health challenges to receive a fairer share of the national revenue to tackle their specific health needs.
The issue of equitable revenue distribution has been a long-standing concern for county governments, especially in areas where the health system is overwhelmed by the demands of treating diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. The cost of healthcare in these regions is often higher due to the increased demand for medical services and infrastructure. By incorporating disease burden into the formula for revenue allocation, counties like Siaya could secure more funding to improve healthcare facilities, procure necessary medical supplies, and enhance public health programs aimed at addressing prevalent diseases.
The launch event, which also marked the commencement of a new maternity wing, laboratory, and water tower at the Nyang’u Health Centre, was attended by key figures including Joseph Ogutu, the chairman of the Safaricom – Mpesa Foundation, Dr. Martin K’onyango, the Siaya County Executive Committee Member for Health, and Oduor Odongo, the Deputy Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly. The project is part of a broader initiative by the Safaricom – Mpesa Foundation to improve healthcare access in underserved areas.
Joseph Ogutu, speaking at the event, revealed that the Safaricom – Mpesa Foundation would be investing KSh. 25 million in the project. The construction of the maternity wing, laboratory, and water tower aims to provide much-needed medical services to the residents of West Ugenya. Ogutu also emphasized the importance of community involvement in the success of such projects. “We urge the community to play an active role in ensuring the successful completion of this facility,” he said, highlighting the critical role that the local population can play in the maintenance and utilization of health facilities.
Furthermore, Ogutu stressed the need for education and awareness programs to encourage mothers to deliver in health facilities rather than at home. This is particularly important in rural areas where cultural practices and misconceptions may prevent women from seeking professional medical care during childbirth. “In certain places, we put up a facility such as this only for mothers to shy away from using them,” Ogutu noted. He underscored that no woman should die while giving birth, advocating for increased efforts to educate the community on the importance of institutional deliveries.
The project at Nyang’u Health Centre is part of the Safaricom – Mpesa Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving health services across Kenya, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The foundation’s focus on healthcare aligns with broader national objectives to improve the quality of health services and reduce the burden of diseases on the population.
As Kenya continues to strive for equitable development, Governor Orengo’s call for the inclusion of disease burden in the revenue division formula is a crucial step toward ensuring that counties most affected by health challenges receive the support they need. The integration of health indicators into resource allocation will not only address immediate healthcare needs but also contribute to long-term improvements in public health across the country.
