West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has called for timely disbursement of County funds by the National Treasury in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lonyangapuo blamed the national government for delayed disbursement of funds to County governments which has greatly affected and crippled service delivery in the Counties.
He cited that there is a need to equip health centers and purchasing of more medical equipment to win the war against the pandemic. The Governor reiterated the need to halt other projects and give priority to the health sector which is currently ailing.
He said that the County government is facing a lot of pressure to offer critical services especially health services to residents due to lack of funds. “We have not received funds for January and February from the Treasury which has made us unable to implement most our projects,” he said.
Speaking at Kapenguria County hospital, the Governor said the County government has been struggling to pay health workers due to lack of funds. “We have struggled to pay County staff for two months but as a County government we are committed to ensure better services are delivered to residents. We have put a lot of money in the health sector because the sector was facing a lot of challenges,” he said.
However, he said the County government is implementing a masterplan that will ensure improved health services in the region. He said the County government is undertaking a facelift of major health facilities in the County to boost service delivery and reduce the cost of healthcare. He also added that the national government should increase funds for the devolved units.