Busia County residents are expressing growing frustration over the state of public health facilities, which they claim have been reduced to grazing fields for livestock.
With medical personnel unavailable and vital health services grounded, many residents are left with no choice but to seek healthcare in neighboring counties, including Bungoma, Vihiga, Siaya, and Kisumu.
Once vibrant health facilities in Busia are now a shadow of their former selves, with critical services like X-rays, CT scans, and laboratory tests unavailable.
The county’s healthcare system has reportedly collapsed due to mismanagement, delayed salaries, and corruption, leading to the mass exodus of doctors and nurses.
For years, healthcare staff have endured delayed payments, rent arrears, and poor working conditions, forcing many to abandon their posts or seek employment elsewhere.
The residents’ desperation is reflected in their reliance on facilities outside the county, with some traveling as far as Eldoret for treatment.
The local government, under Governor Paul Otuoma, has been accused of prioritizing political expediency over the welfare of the county’s population.
Critics argue that Otuoma’s administration has failed to address the healthcare crisis, instead channeling resources toward less pressing projects.
For instance, a controversial road project in the governor’s home area of Samia South cost a staggering KSh 280 million, raising questions about misplaced priorities.
Residents lament that this funding could have been better utilized to revitalize health facilities, build bridges, or improve basic infrastructure.
The alleged mismanagement extends to the governor’s office, where nepotism and favoritism are said to influence appointments and resource allocation.
Most senior officials in the county hail from the governor’s home region of Samia, sparking accusations of marginalizing other sub-counties.
High-ranking positions, including the director of youth, director of drugs control, and director of culture, are reportedly held by individuals with personal ties to the governor, further intensifying public anger.
Additionally, Otuoma’s administration has been accused of mishandling funds meant for healthcare, leaving essential services in disarray.
Locals have described the county’s leadership as disconnected, focusing more on political theatrics than addressing pressing issues.
As Busia County’s health facilities remain dysfunctional, the plight of residents continues to worsen.
Many have been forced to sell property or incur significant debts to access medical services elsewhere. For the county’s marginalized groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, this situation is particularly devastating.
Residents are now demanding immediate action to restore health services, address corruption, and prioritize equitable resource allocation.