KITALE, Kenya— President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to upgrading Kitale Level 5 Hospital in Trans Nzoia County, declaring that political disagreements with Governor George Natembeya will not derail the KSh1 billion project.
Speaking during an Anglican Church of Kenya service in Kapsabet, Nandi County, on Sunday, October 18, the President said the planned health facility was intended to serve residents and should not become a casualty of political differences.
“Yule wa Trans Nzoia ako na kisirani lakini hospitali nitajenga kwa sababu hospitali si yake, ni ya wananchi,” Ruto said, insisting that the project would proceed despite the governor's objections.
The president launched the hospital upgrade on October 16, promising that construction would be completed within eight months. The proposed 300-bed facility is expected to include intensive-care services, four operating theatres, and 6 expanded maternity services, among other specialised units.
Ruto said the investment was part of a broader national government programme to expand healthcare infrastructure, including projects in other counties. He argued that improving access to specialised treatment would reduce the burden on patients who must travel long distances to seek advanced medical care.
However, the project has triggered a public dispute over the respective responsibilities of the national and county governments. Natembeya has challenged the national government's intervention, arguing that healthcare is a devolved function and that development projects should respect the Constitution and county government structures.
The governor had threatened to visit the construction site on Monday, October 19, to oppose the commencement of works by Kenya Defence Forces personnel. He has also criticised what he describes as the national government's tendency to take credit for projects undertaken by his administration, including the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.
The disagreement has intensified the political rivalry between the two leaders, with the hospital emerging as a focal point in the wider debate6 over devolution, public investment, and political accountability.
Despite the standoff, Ruto has maintained that the project will proceed, arguing that residents' access to healthcare should take priority over political differences. As of October 19, no independently verified statement had established that Natembeya had withdrawn his opposition, leaving questions over consultation and coordination between the two levels of government unresolved.