Lamu, Tana River counties get Ksh400M hospital upgrade

Lamu and Tana River counties have received Ksh200 million each from the national Government to upgrade hospitals.

Governors Issa Timamy (Lamu) and Hussein Dado (Tana River) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for the release of the funds, on behalf of their county governments while Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu did the same for the national Government.

President Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed the signing ceremony conducted in Lamu town.

Lamu county will use Ksh100 million of its share to upgrade Lamu Hospital to level 5 status while Mpeketoni and Faza hospitals will each receive Ksh50 million for modernisation.

President Kenyatta said the initiative is in line with his Government’s programme of improving medical facilities throughout the country to ensure Kenyans access better healthcare services.

He said the national Government’s quest to upgrade the country’s health sector for the benefit of citizens is unstoppable.

“Our aim is to ensure that Kenyans from all corners of the country can access specialised medical services whenever they require them without having to travel to Nairobi and other big towns,” said Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta also presided over the Lamu Maulidi festival’s prize giving ceremony where winners in various competitions received cash awards.

Zalha from Mkomani won the dhow race and was awarded Ksh50,000 while Al Amin won the donkey race and took home Ksh30,000. Amina Athman won the prize for the best maker of Islamic religious hats and was awarded Ksh6000.

The Lamu Maulidi festival is the most important in the Lamu calendar of events and constitutes one of the most significant attributes of the centuries old cultural/religious heritage of Lamu County.

This year’s event focused on emphasizing Islam, Cohesion and Sustainable Development. In the recent past the event has provided a platform to engage the community on emerging issues concerning their welfare.

The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Najib Balala, Joseph Nkaissery, Hassan Wario, Jacob Kaimenyi and Eugene Wamalwa among other national and local leaders.