KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has suspended three staff members from Matungu Level IV Hospital following their arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of corruption.
The arrests stem from an ongoing EACC investigation into misuse of public funds in county health facilities. Governor Barasa said the suspensions will remain in effect pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
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“As a county government, we remain firm in our commitment to transparency and accountability. Any officer found engaging in corruption will face firm disciplinary and legal consequences,” said Barasa in a statement released on Friday.
Crackdown on Corruption in the Health Sector
The arrests have drawn renewed attention to the management of devolved health services in Kenya, where corruption and procurement irregularities have consistently undermined service delivery.
Barasa’s swift action was welcomed by some residents and civil society groups who have called for deeper reforms within Kakamega’s healthcare system.
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The governor emphasized that the county would fully cooperate with national agencies to root out graft and restore public confidence in county institutions.
Support for Sugar Factory Leasing Plan
In a separate address during an inspection of the ongoing construction of a new 45-bed maternity wing at Matungu Level IV Hospital, Governor Barasa voiced strong support for the national government’s plan to lease several sugar factories in Western and Nyanza regions.
He clarified that leasing is not the same as privatization—a distinction he said some politicians are deliberately blurring to stoke public fears.
“This is a strategy to revitalize the sugar sector, not to sell off public assets. Parliament approved the leasing model in September 2023. We must support solutions that revive our economy and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” Barasa explained.
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The leasing plan targets struggling factories such as Mumias, Nzoia, Chemelil, and Muhoroni, which have faced years of financial mismanagement, underproduction, and mounting debts.
Leaders Urged to Stop Misinformation
Governor Barasa criticized some lawmakers for politicizing the leasing process, warning that misinformation risks derailing much-needed reforms in the sugar industry.
“We have a responsibility to inform—not mislead—the public. Let’s focus on facts and progress, not political posturing,” he said.
He urged elected leaders to put the interests of sugarcane farmers and workers first, noting that successful leasing would boost the regional economy and create jobs.
Looking Ahead
As the county deepens its collaboration with national institutions to fight corruption and support economic revival, Governor Barasa reiterated that Kakamega must be a model of responsible governance.
“We are building not just facilities, but trust. The people deserve leadership that serves with honesty and results.”
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The maternity wing at Matungu Level IV Hospital is expected to be completed later this year, with the goal of reducing maternal and child mortality in the sub-county
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