Natembeya’s Bold Counter-Move Stuns State House

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced plans to transform Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital into a university, following President William Ruto’s pledge to construct a new KSh 1 billion Level 5 hospital in Kitale.

The declaration has intensified the political disagreement between the governor and the national government over healthcare delivery, development priorities and the use of public resources in Trans Nzoia County.

The dispute escalated after President Ruto, during his tour of the North Rift region, criticised the management of healthcare services at Wamalwa Kijana Hospital. The President reportedly questioned the performance of the 400-bed facility and promised that the national government would construct a modern hospital within eight months.

In response, Natembeya argued that residents deserve improved public services but questioned the need to establish multiple major medical facilities within the same urban centre without adequately considering existing infrastructure.

The governor said his administration would consider repurposing Wamalwa Kijana Hospital into a higher learning institution once the proposed national government hospital is completed. The plan, as presented, would seek to expand access to tertiary education for young people in the county while making use of existing public infrastructure.

If implemented, the proposal would represent a significant change in the hospital’s role and could have implications for healthcare provision and education in the region. However, details concerning the proposed university’s academic programmes, funding, legal approvals, implementation timeline and arrangements for existing patients and staff have not been provided.

The announcement has also added a political dimension to the disagreement between Natembeya and Ruto. The governor, who leads the Tawe Movement, has emerged as a vocal critic of the President, with the latest dispute highlighting tensions between county leadership and the national administration.

Opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have reportedly expressed support for Natembeya amid concerns about political pressure and possible police action against him.

The confrontation comes as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. The competing positions over the proposed hospital and the future of Wamalwa Kijana could therefore become part of the wider debate about development priorities and relations between the two levels of government.

Nevertheless, the governor’s university proposal remains a plan rather than a completed administrative decision. Its feasibility will depend on the relevant legal and regulatory processes, financing arrangements and the ability to ensure that residents continue to receive adequate healthcare.

The central question now is how Trans Nzoia can balance the need for modern medical services with the demand for expanded educational opportunities, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of public infrastructure.

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