FAHAMU NETWORK

Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality and specialised healthcare services as patient numbers continue to rise, dismissing concerns about its operational capacity and urging members of the public to seek accurate information about the facility. The hospital's management maintains that the facility is fully operational and continues to serve patients from across Trans Nzoia County, neighbouring counties and parts of Uganda. The hospital offers a range of medical services aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare within the region. Hospital Administrator Rose Wepuhulu Wangila said the facility was experiencing an increase in patient numbers, with daily admissions pushing its inpatient population beyond the officially approved bed capacity. According to Wangila, the Level Four hospital has an approved capacity of 258 beds, as recognised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), but is currently ...

A group of Bukusu elders in Trans Nzoia County has claimed exclusive legitimacy to represent the community in all socio-political affairs, asserting that they are the only body mandated to speak on matters affecting the community.  According to the elders, this unified voice is necessary to restore order and cohesion within the community, which they say has in the past suffered from disjointed leadership and conflicting political endorsements. The elders, led by John Sululu, emphasized that they would announce their preferred candidate for the governor position only after conducting a thorough and objective vetting process ahead of the 2027 general election. Mr. Sululu noted that their goal is to identify a candidate who genuinely understands the aspirations of the cosmopolitan county and who will champion development, unity, and responsible leadership. "From our perspective, we believe it is important to thoroughly scrutinize all candidates who have shown interest in ...

Elders from the Luhya community in Trans Nzoia County have thrown their support behind former Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa’s gubernatorial bid, stating that he possesses the leadership qualities needed to spur economic growth and promote unity within the county. The elders, who held a consultative meeting with Dr. Wamalwa at his Kiminini home, said he is ready to take over the county’s leadership, noting that his ten-year track record as a Member of Parliament was remarkable. “We have given our blessings to Dr. Wamalwa as he crisscrosses the county to seek support from other communities since Trans Nzoia is cosmopolitan,” said Mr. Christopher Makokha, the chairman of the Luhya Council of Elders in the county. The elders explained that they have already settled on its preferred flag bearer for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that any other candidate seeking their endorsement is too late, as they do not permit double endorsements. “We are putting an end to the habit of eld...

Free Medical Camp Brings Hope to Marinda Community as Aspiring Kwanza MP Nicholas Wanjala Leads Outreach Hundreds of residents on Saturday flocked to Marinda Dispensary for a free medical camp organised by aspiring Kwanza MP Nicholas Wanjala Tsyamba, in what many locals described as a timely intervention amid growing concerns over poor access to healthcare. The medical outreach, held in partnership with local healthcare volunteers, offered free medical check-ups, blood pressure screenings, diabetes tests, and general consultations. Organisers confirmed that the turnout was exceptionally large, a reflection of the increasing health needs in the community. “We know our people are struggling to get medication. Our people are suffering, yet some leaders continue joyriding on these challenges instead of offering real solutions,” Wanjala said while addressing residents after touring the camp. Wanjala blamed the worsening situation on the poor road network, which he said has made ...

More than 10,000 dairy farmers in Trans Nzoia County who supply milk to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) are growing increasingly frustrated after not receiving payments totaling about 120 million shillings for their milk deliveries over the past three months. The Kenya National Farmers Federation (Kenaff) representative in Trans Nzoia, Tom Nyangechanga, said the situation has placed significant financial strain on farmers who rely on regular payments from New KCC to sustain their livelihoods and businesses. "Farmers are not just waiting for payment; they are struggling to survive. Some have taken out loans and are now at risk of defaulting. For many, this money is not just about profit—it's about feeding their families and keeping their farms afloat," Nyangechanga told journalists in Kitale town. He said the unpaid amounts are severely impacting farmers' ability to manage their operations, including purchasing animal feeds, which have become incre...

The business community in Kitale has successfully exposed and thwarted a racket involving officials posing as quality assurance officers, demanding money from traders in exchange for their freedom and the continued operation of their businesses.  The extortion scheme, which also involved police officers from the Kitale Police Station, primarily targeted Asian traders accused of selling substandard goods. The alleged racket came to light when several traders, including prominent businessman Vipul Dodhia, reported being approached by individuals claiming to be from the Kenya Butesu of Standards (KEBS).  These masqueraders, accompanied by uniformed police officers, threatened the traders with arrest and hefty court fines for selling substandard items unless they paid large sums of money. "They stormed our shops in the company of police officers, demanding huge sums of money in exchange for our freedom and to keep our businesses operational," said Mr. Dodhia, the prop...