MP Akujah: Devolving health was a mistake, counties failing sector

Loima MP Protus Akujah has expressed regret over the decision to devolve health services to county governments, describing it as a mistake that has severely impacted healthcare in many regions across the country.

Speaking during a National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) public participation meeting in Loima Constituency, Dr. Akujah highlighted that poor governance at the county level has led to the deterioration of health services.

He pointed out that health workers are frequently striking due to delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and a lack of motivation and allowances.

"The situation is dire. Across all 47 counties, health services are struggling because our medical personnel are working under very challenging conditions without the support they need," stated the legislator.

Akujah argued that essential services such as health and education should have remained under the national government. He warned that devolving the health sector has proven unproductive in certain areas.

He cited Turkana County as an example of mismanagement, stating that health services in the region have collapsed due to inefficiencies in governance.

"It is shameful that in some counties, including Turkana, even basic medicines like painkillers are unavailable in major hospitals such as Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH), which is a Level 5 facility," he said.

"If the situation is this bad at a top facility, what about the remote dispensaries and health centers?" he questioned.

The MP noted that just two weeks ago, reports indicated that LCRH lacked essential painkillers.

He expressed concerns about whether the hospital has the necessary expertise or resources to handle critical cases under such circumstances.

While criticizing poorly performing counties, Akujah praised Makueni County for its exemplary health management system.

"Makueni has become a benchmark for many counties due to its well-structured and effective healthcare system. This demonstrates that if a governor is committed and focused on service delivery, positive results can be achieved," the MP stated.

He called on county governors to take responsibility for managing health services and to ensure that health workers are motivated through proper remuneration, promotions, and conducive working conditions.

"Good health services depend on the County CEO – the governor. If the governor is dedicated, everything will fall into place," he concluded.