President William Ruto inspects section 1 of the 257km Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road on February 7, 2025.
Taxpayers will fork out nearly Sh1 billion to finance President William Ruto’s roadside directives on the construction of health projects nationwide.
Data submitted to Parliament by the Ministry of Health shows that out of the Sh990 million projects that are earmarked for funding, Sh700 million will go towards the construction of three projects in Uasin Gishu County.
The balance of Sh290 million will be shared among eight other counties that are largely arid and semi-arid areas and are considered marginalised.
“The State Department for Medical Services continues to receive several Presidential Directives to fund Health Facilities across the country,” Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary told MPs.
While appearing before the National Assembly’s Health Committee to defend the State Department’s budget for 2025/26, Mr Kimtai asked MPs to factor in an additional Sh1 billion to implement Dr Ruto’s directives on the health projects.
The Sh1 billion needed by the State Department for Medical Services to actualise the presidential order has not been provided for in the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS).
A schedule of projects tabled before the committee chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose shows that Ziwa sub-County Hospital in Soy constituency, Uasin Gishu County, will receive the lion's share of Sh500 million.
The list presented by Mr Kimtai shows that Tiret sub-County Hospital in Turbo constituency and Kesses sub-County hospital will each receive Sh100 million for an upgrade.
The two sub-County hospitals are in Uasin Gishu County.
Other counties' share
Banditry-prone Baringo County will receive Sh20 million for the upgrade of the Mukutani health centre in the Tiaty constituency.
Baringo County will also receive a further Sh50 million for the construction of an additional Level IV Hospital.
Mr Kimtai said Sh40 million is required to actualise Dr Ruto’s directive to upgrade Masikita Health Centre in Samburu North constituency, Samburu County.
In Turkana County, the Ministry of Health will require Sh40 million for two health centres. Lokwamosing Health Facility in Turkana East and Nakwamoru Health Centre will each receive Sh20 million.
Dr Ruto’s roadside order will also see Arbelo Health Centre which is deserted in Sigor constituency, West Pokot County receive Sh20 million.
President William Ruto, and Garissa Governor Nathif J Adam after the contract signing for Improved Access to Electricity through Mini-Grid and Stand-Alone Solar Systems under the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project in Nairobi County.
Elgeyo Marakwet County will receive Sh20 million for the upgrade or equipping of Kapchemuta Health Centre in the Marakwet West constituency.
Mr Kimtai said the Ministry of Health is also seeking a budgetary allocation of Sh50 million to upgrade Khunyangu Level III hospital in Butala constituency, Busia County as directed by Dr Ruto during his numerous development tours of Western Kenya.
Mr Kimtai told MP that Sh70 million is required to spruce up two health facilities in Kakamega County.
He said Sh20 million is needed to spruce up the Khwisero Mother and Child Level IV Hospital in the Khwisero constituency and a further Sh50 million for the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital in the Lurambi constituency.
Roadside promises
President Ruto has been undertaking development tours across the country, promising upgrades, or construction of several projects.
The latest week-long tour saw Dr Ruto traverse five constituencies of the North Eastern region.
Dr Ruto spent five days touring North Eastern counties, a region that has received fewer presidential visits in the past, as part of his agenda to promote equitable economic development across the country.
He toured Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo counties launching or new commissioning projects including a promise to deliver 750km Mandera-Isiolo Road.
