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 ...

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...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has dismissed the national government’s National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, saying it lacks the capacity to make any meaningful impact on youth empowerment. Speaking in Kitale town, Mr. Amisi said the initiative, which targets a small number of beneficiaries, is “a public relations stunt” meant to hoodwink Kenyans into believing that the government is empowering the youth.  “The government has a huge budget, yet it wants to deceive Kenyans by saying the Nyota programme has benefited many youth. The truth is, its reach is too limited to make a real difference,” said Amisi. The legislator called for more sustainable and inclusive approaches to youth empowerment, particularly in marginalized communities.  During the event, he donated KSh 200,000 to support youth groups drawn from Kitale’s informal settlements, urging them to invest in small businesses and income-generating activities. The MP said ...

The Boda Boda fraternity in Trans Nzoia County has ushered in a new leadership team, ending a 13-year reign of the outgoing officials. The elections, organized by the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAKE), brought together over 650 stage chairmen who voted to elect new officials for the positions of Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Vincent Murunga emerged as the new Chairman, pledging to prioritize safety training and improve the welfare of riders across the county. “We are going to ensure that we bring sanity among our members so that we achieve growth,” said Mr. Murunga shortly after his victory. James Nyakangi, who clinched the Secretary position, promised to streamline the operations of the association for greater efficiency and accountability.  “We need an orderly way of running our affairs to ensure the interests of all members are well represented,” he said. The new Treasurer, Joseph Amudavi Mukirima, assured members of prudent financial management and ...