Butere: President William Ruto today officially opened the modern Butere Level 4 Hospital in Kakamega County. He said that the government is committed to expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 200-bed capacity hospital was constructed by the County Government of Kakamega under the leadership of Governor Fernandes Barasa. The new facility is expected to ease congestion at existing hospitals and provide expanded services in maternal health and general outpatient care.
President Ruto commended Governor Barasa for his leadership in fast-tracking the project and reaffirmed the national government's partnership with counties in improving health infrastructure and service delivery. To enhance the hospital's operations, the President announced that the national government will provide medical equipment worth Sh150 million under the National Equipment Service Programme.
He further directed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to increase the drug refill rate from the current 48 percent to 68 percent and achieve 95 percent by December 2025. The President said the move will ensure consistent availability of medicines across all health facilities in the country.
'The people of Butere deserve accessible, well-equipped and efficient healthcare services. This government is committed to ensuring every county hospital operates at full capacity,' said President Ruto. The Head of State clarified that the county will not bear the financial burden of the equipment procurement as the cost will be covered by the Government.
The governor thanked the President for his support and assured residents that the facility will be fully operational offering round-the-clock medical services to the people of Butere and beyond. The President was accompanied by several western leaders led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and SMEs Wycliffe Oparanya, Area MP Tindi Mwale, Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, among others.