‘Hii ni wazimu’:Busia County Spent Ksh.4.9 Million To Consult Whether A Hospital Should Be Level 4 or 5

The Busia County Government, under Governor Paul Otuoma, has come under fire after it emerged that the administration spent Ksh 4.9 million merely to consult on whether a local hospital should be designated as Level 4 or Level 5 — despite the Ministry of Health having already classified it as a Level 5 facility.

The revelation, which surfaced during a sitting of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, has sparked widespread anger and debate among Kenyans, who view it as another example of rampant misuse of public funds in county governments.

According to the report, the county went ahead with the unnecessary expenditure in the name of “consultation,” raising serious questions about financial accountability and prioritization within the health department.

Adding to the controversy, the report also exposed how some county officials have been doing business with the county government itself, an act that directly violates procurement laws and promotes corruption.

Busia County has frequently been mentioned among Kenya’s most corrupt devolved units, and this latest scandal has only deepened public frustration. Many residents have expressed disappointment, saying the funds could have been used to improve health services, buy drugs, or upgrade medical equipment instead of paying for redundant consultations.

Observers and watchdogs are now calling on oversight agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that those responsible for the misappropriation face the law.

This incident paints yet another grim picture of how corruption continues to cripple service delivery in devolved units — with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of poor governance and misplaced priorities.