A Senate committee meeting almost ended prematurely after several members raised concerns over an audit report on the state of health facilities in Busia County. The report was criticized for presenting a picture that did not align with the realities on the ground.
A senator from Busia expressed deep frustration, highlighting the dire conditions in many of the county’s health facilities. He stated that these facilities have become hazardous for pregnant women, yet the report failed to address these critical issues. He argued that the audit was disconnected from the actual situation and demanded immediate intervention.
During discussions with the Senate Public Investment and Special Funds Committee, it was emphasized that maternal deaths during childbirth have become disturbingly frequent due to the poor state of healthcare infrastructure. The senator urged members to conduct a fact-finding visit to Busia County to witness firsthand the challenges faced by residents.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding financial inconsistencies in the report, which covered the fiscal year ending June 2024. One of the major concerns was an unsupported transfer of Ksh 5.1 million to various dispensaries without proper documentation. Another issue was an underfunding problem of Ksh 21.5 million and a budget deficit, with only 51 percent of the allocated funds being utilized. The senator accused the auditing authorities of engaging in a public relations exercise and questioned the integrity of the financial oversight process.
The senator also expressed disappointment over the lack of proper notification regarding the governor’s scheduled appearance before the committee. According to standard procedures, a 14-day notice is required, but he was only informed two days prior via a short message. He also claimed that he was seeing the relevant documents for the first time during the meeting, raising further doubts about the transparency of the entire process.
Earlier in the year, residents of Busia County had taken to the streets in protest over the deteriorating state of public healthcare services. Many patients have been forced to seek medical attention in neighboring counties, including Bungoma, Vihiga, Siaya, Kisumu, and even as far as Uasin Gishu, due to the lack of adequate healthcare facilities in Busia.
In response, the governor acknowledged the difficulties faced by the county’s healthcare system but insisted that these challenges were not unique to Busia. He stressed the need for a collaborative approach to finding long-term solutions rather than engaging in blame games. The governor pointed out that systemic issues in the national healthcare structure contribute to the difficulties experienced at the county level.
Despite these reassurances, concerns remain regarding the lack of meaningful action to address the ongoing crisis. The state of hospitals and dispensaries in Busia County remains a major point of contention, with residents and their representatives demanding urgent intervention. Issues such as inadequate staffing, shortages of medical supplies, and outdated equipment have all been highlighted as factors contributing to the poor state of healthcare services.
Healthcare professionals in the county have also voiced their frustrations over delayed salaries and lack of essential medical tools, further exacerbating the crisis. Some have opted to leave public service in search of better opportunities elsewhere, worsening the staffing shortages in critical departments.
Residents continue to struggle with long waiting times and overcrowded facilities, with some patients being forced to travel long distances to access basic medical care. Expectant mothers, in particular, have been severely affected, with many unable to receive timely prenatal and postnatal care, increasing the risks associated with childbirth.
The situation in Busia County reflects broader issues affecting the national healthcare system, where inadequate funding, poor management, and lack of accountability have hindered the delivery of quality services. The ongoing debate in the Senate has reignited discussions on the need for increased budgetary allocations and better oversight to ensure that funds meant for healthcare are used effectively.
The committee has been urged to take immediate action by ensuring that necessary resources are allocated to improve healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. The call for a physical inspection of health facilities in Busia has gained momentum, with members agreeing that a firsthand assessment is necessary to determine the full extent of the crisis.
In the meantime, residents and advocacy groups continue to push for transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. They argue that without concrete action, the challenges facing Busia County’s healthcare system will persist, putting more lives at risk.
As discussions continue, there is growing pressure on both the county and national governments to prioritize healthcare and implement measures that will bring lasting improvements to the system. The people of Busia, like many others across the country, are hopeful that their concerns will be addressed before more lives are lost due to systemic failures in the health sector.
