This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
Embu County's health sector is facing a crisis, with several projects stalled despite receiving funding every financial year. According to documents seen by Mt. Kenya Star, some of these projects have been getting funding since 2016, yet they remain incomplete or non-existent.
One such project is the Wakaria Dispensary in Mwea ward, which was started in 2017 but stalled soon after. Residents of the area claim that the incomplete building has become a haven for prostitutes, and that expectant mothers have to travel long distances to access healthcare services.
Documents show that the county government set aside Sh500,000 in the 2017/18 financial year for drugs and primary medical equipment for the dispensary, but the funds were allegedly channeled to Gitaraka dispensary instead. The Mwea Ward MCA, Harrison Mwaluko, defended himself by saying that he was not the area MCA when the funds were being set aside.
Another project that has stalled is the Makima dispensary, where documents show that the county government set aside Sh1 million in the financial year 2016/17 for the completion of a maternity ward. However, the construction did not start at all, and the facility lacks medical equipment, drugs, and medical practitioners.
Embu County CEC for Health, Dr. Joan Mwende, acknowledged that the county government has been facing financial challenges, but assured that they are trying their best to complete the stalled facilities and ensure they are operational soon.
Related Topics: Stalled Projects, White Elephants, Corruption, Budget
