Governor Kenneth Lusaka has appealed to county leaders to desist from politicizing the newly approved Level 6 hospital project, warning that unnecessary politicking could derail a landmark initiative set to transform healthcare delivery in the region.

Speaking during a leadership and stakeholders’ consultative forum at Kibabii University, Lusaka emphasized that the KSh7.5 billion facility, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is a people-centered project that must not be compromised by personal or political interests.

“As county leaders, we must prioritize development over personal ambitions. The approved Level 6 hospital is a transformative facility that will serve Bungoma, the wider region, and even beyond. Let us not play politics with this project; the stakes are too high for our people,” Lusaka said.

He confirmed that the AfDB-backed project has successfully undergone a pre-feasibility study, with Sichei in Kabuchai Constituency identified as the preferred site for construction.

Lusaka noted that once complete, the hospital will offer advanced healthcare services, including treatment of terminal illnesses, while also stimulating the local economy and spurring infrastructure development.

The governor reiterated that the project is a generational investment and called for unity among leaders to safeguard its successful implementation.

Industrialization Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana, who represented the Ministry of Health during the forum, affirmed that the project is now awaiting the financing agreement between the National Treasury and AfDB, disclosing that groundbreaking is scheduled for March 2026.

“This hospital will mark a major milestone not just for Bungoma but for the entire Western region. The government remains committed to ensuring all processes are concluded in time to kick off construction,” Dr. Mukhwana noted.