Governor Sang vows to complete health projects before term ends

Governor Stephen Sang has pledged to complete all ongoing healthcare projects in Nandi county before the end of his term next year, as he seeks to cement his legacy in the sector.

He said expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare remains a central priority for his administration.

“Most of the projects in health and other sectors are in the final stages of completion, and we expect to be done in the next few months,” Sang said.

The governor spoke in his office in Kapsabet, days after the Senate Health Committee conducted an oversight visit to assess health services and projects across the county.

The committee, chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, acknowledged progress made in improving service delivery, citing expansion of facilities and investment in equipment aimed at strengthening healthcare access.

Members highlighted key developments at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, including the Maternal and Child Health unit, which is awaiting equipping, as well as a funeral home that is now about 70 per cent complete.

County health officials said the resources required to equip the facilities are already available, with full implementation expected in the coming months.

Governor Sang, who also hosted the committee at his office, welcomed the Senate’s oversight role and assured members that efforts were under way to ensure all ongoing projects are completed on schedule.

“My vision is to ensure we complete all ongoing projects so that our people can easily access quality healthcare in all parts of the county,” he said.

Mandago said the visit formed part of routine assessments of the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in counties, aimed at tracking progress and identifying areas that may require additional support.

The committee toured Meteitei Subcounty Hospital in Tinderet, Nandi Hills County Hospital and Kapsabet County Referral Hospital in Emgwen to assess service delivery, infrastructure and operational efficiency.

At Nandi Hills County Hospital, the team was received by health executive Angeline Kirui and chief officer Frederick Kiptum, alongside other senior officials.

Kirui welcomed the engagement, noting that the Senate’s constitutional oversight role is key to strengthening accountability and accelerating development within devolved units.

She said the visit provided an opportunity for constructive dialogue on improving healthcare systems across the county.

Mandago commended the progress made but pointed out areas that still require improvement.

“We have seen commendable investments, especially in infrastructure and technology. But we also identified areas that need strengthening," he said.

"The good news is that the department has shown a clear understanding of these challenges and a strong will to fix them.” 

He also praised the county’s integration of information and communication technology, noting that all health facilities have been networked to allow real-time data transmission, improved patient record management and better supply chain accountability.

Kirui said the county’s health strategy is focused on delivering accessible, affordable and dignified care, with plans in place to address gaps identified during the inspection.

“We welcome the Senate’s observations. Our goal is clear: no resident should die from a preventable condition due to lack of access or poor service. We are fixing the gaps, upgrading our hospitals and ensuring our staff have the tools they need,” she said.

Members of the committee included Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, Baringo Senator Kiprono Chemitei and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.