Bungoma County government will partner with the national government to enroll community health promoters (CHPs) into the new Social Health Authority (SHA), Governor Kenneth Lusaka has said.
Speaking at St. Peters Sang’alo Boys’ High School on Friday, December 12 during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, Governor Lusaka said the initiative seeks to strengthen primary healthcare and ensure CHPs who form the backbone of community level service delivery receive the support and protection they deserve under the new health scheme.
“This partnership will ensure our Community health promoters are fully integrated into SHA so they can continue delivering critical services to households with dignity and proper support,” Lusaka said.
The Ford Kenya governor added that Jamhuri day offers Kenyans an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey while renewing their resolve to advance unity, development and shared prosperity.
“Jamhuri is not only about remembering the past; it is about renewing our commitment to build the Kenya and Bungoma we all desire,” he added.
The second-term governor also highlighted the significant advancements in the county’s health sector, noting the promotion of hundreds of health workers, recruitment of new staff, improved drug supply systems and the strengthening of community health promoter programmes.
“We have upgraded and equipped health facilities across all sub-counties and fast-tracked the construction of the Level 6 Hospital in Sichei. Our Teaching and Referral Hospital will remain a Level 5 facility to expand specialized services closer to our people.”
The governor also outlined ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector, citing distribution of subsidized fertilizer and certified seeds and renewed support to dairy farmers through coolers and AI services.
“Our County aggregation and industrial park in Sang’alo is taking shape, promising better value for our farmers’ produce,” he noted.
Lusaka further assured residents that despite initial delays caused by the new e-government procurement system, road projects across the county were progressing steadily.
He announced that the contractor on the Naitiri–Brigadier Road is finalizing the remaining two kilometres, while works have resumed on the Dorofu–Sang’alo–Musikoma Junction Road.
“Our urban centres are being upgraded with street lighting, drainage and modern markets, restoring dignity to traders and safety to our streets,” he said.
He further confirmed ongoing rehabilitation of the Sikata–Bokoli–Kimilili Road and continuous opening of rural access roads in all sub-counties.
On education, Lusaka revealed that the county has already issued an intent to hire more ECDE teachers and promote those due for advancement starting January 2026.
“Our VTCs are being equipped to give youth practical skills and we intend to hire more TVET trainers on permanent and pensionable terms,” he said.
He noted that thousands of ECDE learners continue to benefit from the county’s free Uji Programme.
He also highlighted progress on phase II of Masinde Muliro Stadium where roofing of terraces is underway and announced plans to upgrade Amtalla Stadium in Kimilili.
“We are supporting innovation, sports and culture because the youth are the torchbearers of Bungoma’s future,” he said.
The event was attended by MPs John Makali (Kanduyi), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei, County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma and MCAs.
