Governors fight to retain health function

Governors have warned MPs against pushing for return of the health function to the national government, saying counties have invested heavily in devolved medical services.

Governors Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu and his Kwale counterpart Salim Mvurya, who are both eyeing top seats in the Council of Governors, said the National Assembly wants to kill devolution.

“The health sector isn’t going anywhere. These MPs pushing for revoking of the sector should stop this because it is a way of killing devolution,” Governor Mvurya said in Eldoret on Tuesday while paying a courtesy call on Mr Mandago.

Mr Mandago said the county governments has invested a lot of money in the sector.

“If you tell us to surrender that one thing that we have nurtured for so long, that is going to be hard my friend,” said Mr Mandago.

The Kwale county head said health has improved since devolved governments took charge of the sector.

“Who would have thought a caesarean operation could be done in far-flung areas like Mandera and Garissa? These are the benefits of devolution,” he noted.

Mr Mandago explained that health workers do not want to be supervised and that is why they have been complaining and making it seem like governors are frustrating them.

“What is wrong with governors making impromptu visits in hospitals to ask if people are getting the services they deserve?” Mr Mandago asked.

He also claimed that devolution stopped corrupt deals at Kemsa because counties only order drugs needed or specific health facilities at certain times, according to Mandago.

At the same time, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma yesterday warned of mass action if the senators and MPs take back the health function to counties.

Mr Ranguma said that counties have invested billions of shillings in health care and recalling it would mean denying Kenyans crucial services.

His sentiments were echoed by Homa Bay’s Cyprian Awiti and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.

The governors said that health is a devolved function and it can never be taken back to the national government.

“We are going to call for mass action if health function reverts to the national government. Health was devolved in the interest of Kenyans and not individuals,” said Mr Ranguma.

Mr Ranguma is the council of governors health committee chairman.

He was speaking yesterday during the launch of a three-year Sh118.7 million European Union funded project that seeks to improve the health and nutrition of mothers and children in Manyatta and Nyalenda slums, Kisumu County.

And speaking separately, Mr Ruto said that the county has already bought fully equipped ambulances with intensive care unit and oxygen equipment.