Senator Okiya Omtatah Calls for Probe into Busia County’s Staff Medical Insurance Scheme

In a statement addressed to fellow residents of Busia, the senator highlighted allegations that the scheme managed under Star Insurance is unfair and poorly implemented. He noted that full comprehensive cover appears limited to senior officers in higher job groups, while most ordinary workers are left with restricted access to health facilities that often reject the cover or lack necessary medical services.

The senator described the current setup as exclusionary and inequitable, arguing that it fails to meet basic standards of fairness in public service. Many employees reportedly face difficulties when seeking treatment, raising doubts about the scheme’s effectiveness in providing real healthcare support. He stressed that access to quality medical care should be a fundamental right for all county workers, not a benefit enjoyed only by a privileged few.

Beyond the quality of cover, Omtatah pointed to troubling claims surrounding the procurement process. There are reports that the tender may have been awarded irregularly, and some officers who opposed or questioned the arrangement were allegedly sidelined or forced out of their positions. The senator described these issues as serious and not to be overlooked, calling for full transparency on how the contract was handled.

In response, Senator Omtatah has urged the Busia County Assembly to immediately exercise its oversight role by summoning county executive officials. He wants clear explanations on the structure and terms of the medical scheme, the criteria used to divide staff benefits, the details of the tender process, and the current state of service delivery at approved facilities. Additionally, he has called on national oversight bodies including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch independent investigations into the allegations.

As Senator, Omtatah reminded the public of his constitutional responsibility to protect county interests and oversee the use of national revenue allocated to counties. He warned that if the County Assembly does not act decisively, he will raise the matter directly in the Senate for further intervention. The senator concluded by affirming that Busia county staff deserve dignity, equal treatment, and a reliable healthcare system that works for everyone, urging swift action to resolve the issue.

This development has drawn attention to the need for accountability in how county governments manage employee welfare programs, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare provision.