Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, during a memorial service held in honour of the 16 victims of the March 9 road accident at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on Monday /HILTON OTENYOBungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has announced plans to install additional equipment at Webuye Level 4 Hospital to strengthen its emergency response to road accidents.
He said the county is in the process of installing a CT scan and an MRI machine at the hospital.
The facility is normally the first hospital to receive victims of road accidents that occur on the Eldoret-Malaba highway.
The announcement came as the county mourns 16 people who lost their lives in a road crash at Malaha area on the Webuye-Kitale road last Monday. They were buried in their respective homes on Wednesday.
Lusaka said the county government was taking steps, including expanding the emergency wing of the hospital to better handle accident victims.
“I have put measures in place to ensure it is adequately equipped to deal with the pressure arising from accident victims being referred there due to its proximity to major roads in the county,” he said.
The governor said the facility was the first to receive victims of accidents that occur on the Northern Corridor in the western region.
He said the installation of the additional equipment will significantly enhance diagnostic services at the hospital and enable residents to access specialised medical care closer to home as well.
“This investment will enhance our diagnostic capacity and emergency response. Our people deserve timely and quality medical care when emergencies occur,” Lusaka said.
He spoke during a memorial service held in honour of the 16 victims of the March 9 road accident.
The move followed calls from Bungoma leaders, led by Senator Wafula Wakoli, urging the county government to bolster emergency services at the hospital.
Others included MPs Martin Pepela (Webuye East), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), John Makali (Kanduyi), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and Bungoma Woman MP Catherine Wambilianga.
They also called for the enhancement of equipment at the hospital because of its location on the Eldoret–Malaba highway, which makes it key for handling emergencies from road accidents.
The hospital superintendent, Dr David Wanikina, said there is a need to strengthen the emergency room so the hospital is able to respond better to emergencies, given its location at the centre of Bungoma and Kakamega counties.
“In December last year, we had a bad accident at Mukhonje, and all patients were brought to Webuye. I pray that have ICU, renal unit, multidisciplinary disaster team and emergency room be expanded. Now we have three surgeons,” he said.
The governor urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads to prevent future accidents.
“We must all work together to ensure our roads are safe for everyone. When 16 lives are lost in a sudden manner like this, it is not just the affected families who grieve—the entire county mourns,” Lusaka said.
He said the county government remains committed to strengthening healthcare services and improving emergency preparedness, noting that investments in medical equipment and health infrastructure are key to saving lives.
The accident, which occurred near Malaha, left several people injured and sparked widespread grief across Bungoma county as leaders and residents continue to call for greater road safety measures.
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