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Kitui Marks Major Healthcare Milestone with Launch of Sh200 Million Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Residents of Kitui East constituency and wider Kitui county have received a major boost in healthcare services following the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Sh200 million Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital in Mutitu North Sub-county.
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe (left) and Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Sh200 million Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital in Mutitu North Sub-county, Kitui East Constituency.MWINGI TIMES|Josphine Mwende
For many years, residents have struggled with congestion and limited services at Mutitu Level IV Sub-county Hospital, which has only 22 ward beds despite serving a rapidly growing population. Since the advent of devolution, the facility has remained the primary healthcare centre for the area, but inadequate ward capacity, limited medical services and patient overcrowding have posed serious challenges to healthcare delivery.

However, on 14th May 2026, the County Government of Kitui, in partnership with the National Government through the Ministry of Defence, marked a significant milestone in improving healthcare services after officially launching the construction of a modern hospital with a capacity of 94 beds.
Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende 

The new facility, named after renowned Kenyan constitutional lawyer the late Nzamba Kitonga, is located within Mutitu Market in Mutitu North Sub-county, Kitui East Constituency. The hospital is expected to strengthen healthcare services in the county by focusing on the treatment of respiratory and infectious diseases while also providing specialised isolation units and improved laboratory services.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Principal Secretary for Defence Dr. Patrick Mariru, who was accompanied by Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, said the National Government under President William Ruto had committed to fully financing the construction of the hospital.

Dr. Mariru explained that the County Government of Kitui had initially pledged to contribute Sh50 million towards the project while the National Government would provide Sh150 million. However, President Ruto later directed that the National Government take over the entire Sh200 million cost of construction.“The President of Kenya, Dr William Ruto, offered to fully fund the construction of this hospital alongside other development projects being undertaken in Kitui County by the National Government,” said Dr Mariru.

He noted that the two-storey hospital would be nearly five times larger than the existing Mutitu Sub-county Hospital. The upper floor will accommodate male, female and children’s wards with a total capacity of 94 beds. The facility will also include isolation rooms and a fully equipped laboratory to improve healthcare services for residents.

Dr Mariru further stated that the project is expected to be completed within nine months and directed the contractor to ensure timely delivery of the facility.“We have a responsibility to complete this project on time so that our people can benefit from quality healthcare services. By December, the President should come to officially open a fully equipped hospital. If the contractor fails to meet the required standards and timelines, they will be held accountable because this is a project meant to serve the people of Kitui,” he said.

Governor Malombe said the idea of constructing the hospital was conceived following the death of Nzamba Kitonga in 2020. He described the facility as a landmark healthcare project that symbolises the county’s commitment to strengthening healthcare service delivery.“This project is a major healthcare infrastructure development that reflects our commitment to improving healthcare services and safeguarding the health of our people,” said Dr Malombe.

The governor added that the hospital will serve approximately 80,466 residents from all six wards of Kitui East Constituency, in addition to patients from other parts of the county.“Kitui County is the sixth-largest county in Kenya, with a population of approximately 1.378 million people. About 95 per cent of the population relies on public health facilities for medical services. This hospital will serve residents from across the constituency and will also act as a referral centre for respiratory diseases within the county,” he noted.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who once said,“Healthy citizens are the greatest wealth of any nation,” Dr Malombe emphasised that healthcare remains one of the key pillars of his administration in promoting productivity, economic growth and social transformation.

Both the county and national governments remain committed to ensuring that wananchi access affordable, equitable, efficient and quality healthcare services aimed at improving livelihoods across the country.

Kitui MPs Clash Over Budget Allocation and Public Participation

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Leaders in Kitui County have criticised the national government over what they described as unfair budget allocation, delayed compensation for affected residents, and ineffective public participation in the national budgeting process.
Kitui Central MP Dr Makali Mulu takes part in a public participation forum at the Multipurpose Hall in Kitui town. He was accompanied by his counterparts Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai (partly hidden) and Eng. Paul Nzengu of Mwingi North among other national and county leaders. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende

The concerns were raised during a public participation forum on the 2026/2027 national budget estimates held on Tuesday at the Multipurpose Hall in Kitui Central Constituency. The session brought together members of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, local leaders, and residents from different parts of the county.

Among the leaders present were Paul Nzengu, Dr. Makali Mulu, and Dr. Rachael Kaki Nyamai.

Residents used the forum to raise concerns over insecurity caused by camel herders and human-wildlife conflict, calling on the government to urgently intervene and protect communities living in affected areas. They also complained about delays in compensation for land acquired for national government projects, as well as compensation for victims of wildlife attacks that have left some residents injured or dead.

Questions were also raised over what residents termed unequal distribution of resources among counties, with some leaders arguing that certain regions continue to lag behind due to inadequate allocations from the national government.

Leaders from constituencies located far from Kitui town further criticised the centralisation of public participation forums, saying many residents from remote areas are unable to attend because of long distances and lack of transport.

Speaking during the session, Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu questioned why public participation is conducted after the budget estimates have already been prepared by Parliament.“Why is public participation being conducted after the committee has already estimated the budget? This is wasting the public’s time,” said Nzengu.“If the government truly values public participation, wananchi should first give their priorities before the budget is prepared so that the projects proposed by citizens can be included and implemented.”

Nzengu also criticised the decision to hold such forums mainly in central areas, arguing that residents from remote constituencies are disadvantaged.“From Kitui town to Mwingi North is about 238 kilometres. People from distant areas cannot easily access these meetings without transport. Parliament should allocate funds to facilitate transport for citizens if it genuinely wants meaningful public participation,” he said.

However, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu defended the arrangement, noting that such forums have traditionally been conducted in county headquarters and central towns for convenience.“You are being unfair when you single out Kitui Central,” said Dr Mulu. “The headquarters are located here, and this system is applied across the country. In every county, there are residents who live far from towns where these exercises are conducted.”

Dr Mulu nevertheless accused the national government of inequitable resource allocation, arguing that highly populated counties with major development needs continue to receive inadequate funding.“This 2026/2027 budget stands at KSh4.8 trillion, yet some large and highly populated counties receive as little as KSh300 million. That does not make sense,” he said.“As MPs from Kitui County, we shall push for fairness during parliamentary deliberations to ensure our people receive an equitable share because every Kenyan contributes through taxes.”

The legislator also expressed concern over Kenya’s increasing reliance on foreign borrowing, warning that excessive debt could undermine the country’s economic growth.“In this budget, Kenya plans to borrow KSh1.1 trillion, which is the highest amount the country has ever borrowed,” Dr Mulu said.“The government cannot continue depending on loans every year. We need proper strategies to generate income locally and live within our means if we want sustainable economic growth.”

Partnerships or Patronage? The Neo-Colonial Script the World Knows Too Well

By SOLOMON KIMANZI

Throughout history, nations have been quick to celebrate what appeared on the surface to be a plus in diplomacy and economic cooperation, only to find later that under the headlines something unimaginably sinister was being quietly negotiated. Such a debate has been ignited by the recent developments around French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kenya. The nearly $27 billion partnership and investment pledges, the discussions around military cooperation and operational protections for foreign troops at the Coast all amid a growing public speculation of the strategic importance of the mineral rich Mrima Hills valued at $62B has led many Kenyans to revisit the warnings contained in Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins. Almost beside the point whether each rumour is true or not is to the more important question: how does a nation defend its sovereignty in an era where influence is not only wielded through colonization, but through economic dependency, strategic partnerships, debt, military pacts and elite alliances?

President William Ruto hosted his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for talks on Sunday. @WilliamsRuto/X

John Perkins painted a picture of a world where the powerful Western nations, institutions like the World Bank and multinational corporations no longer had to use their military muscle to exert influence over their resources and geopolitical interests. Rather, it was huge loans, infrastructure deals and political ties that became the new tools of empire. 

Leaders of developing countries in the global south were often promised financial benefits, international legitimacy and political survival if they opened their economies and strategic assets to foreign interests. The result was a system in which countries seemed independent on paper, but their economic orientation was increasingly dictated by external powers.

Many post-colonial nations faced the tragedy of attaining formal independence while remaining trapped within global systems that continued to drain wealth outward. In many cases, the building of roads, railways, ports, pipelines and military installations was done in ways that primarily served external strategic interests rather than local economic transformation. Citizens were encouraged to celebrate modernization while still being shut out of any real ownership of their own resources.

Decades ago, Kwame Nkrumah warned us that the greatest threat to African countries after independence would not necessarily come from military occupation, but from foreign economic control exercised by local political elites. The flags would stay African. National anthems would still be played. Elections would take place. But key decisions on resources, debt and economic priorities would increasingly serve foreigners, not Africans themselves. Many dismissed his warnings then but history, across Africa and Latin America, time and again proved that sovereignty can be slowly eroded without firing a single bullet.

The rise of Mobutu Sese Seko in the DRC was the most obvious example of how a resource-rich country can remain poor while foreign powers and the politically connected elites get fabulously rich. Congo has huge reserves of cobalt, copper, gold, diamonds and coltan, minerals that fuel industries around the world. But even with this immense wealth, millions of Congolese were left in poverty, with multinational interests and political networks benefiting from extraction deals. It is evident that foreign governments have continued to support compliant leadership structures, including the manipulation of elections to ensure that Western economic and political interests are protected.

This historical context explains the scepticism many Kenyans have when large financial pledges, military cooperation arrangements and interest in strategic mineral zones emerge at the same time. There have been concerns over the alleged mineral potential of Mrima Hills, particularly rare earth minerals and other precious deposits – with history showing that strategic resources often attract geopolitical competition under a veneer of partnership. The larger principle at stake is more important than whether each circulating claim is true: citizens have a right to ask who ultimately benefits from major international arrangements tied to security, infrastructure and natural resources.

Kenya therefore stands at a critical crossroads. The country can engage globally while still fiercely protecting its sovereignty and national interest. Citizens should not reject every foreign deal automatically, but neither should they abandon critical thinking in exchange for impressive headline figures and diplomatic photo opportunities. Real patriotism lies not in unquestioning applause for leaders and foreign dignitaries, but rather demanding transparency about what is being signed, who benefits, what protections exist for national resources, and whether future generations will inherit ownership or dependency.

Karish Dismisses Claims of Joining Government After Losing Mbeere North By-Election

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Former Mbeere North parliamentary aspirant Newton Kariuki has dismissed claims that he has joined the government side following his recent interactions with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during public and social events.
Newton Kariuki at the Embu High Court during proceedings of his case, where he appeared to testify before the court. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka 

Speaking to the press, Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, said a section of residents and political critics had questioned why he continues engaging the governor despite having been perceived as one of the leading opposition voices in local politics.

He said some individuals had even accused him of being compromised and secretly negotiating to join the government camp after his loss in the Mbeere North by-election.

However, Kariuki strongly denied the allegations, insisting that meeting and talking with the governor should not be interpreted as political betrayal or alignment.

According to him, Governor Mbarire currently serves all residents of Embu County regardless of their political affiliations, and leaders must engage each other for the sake of development and unity.

Kariuki said the governor represents the interests of all people in Embu County, including residents from his home area of Mumenje in Mbeere North.

“I am not talking to Cecily as an individual, but to the Governor of Embu who represents the interests of the people,” Kariuki stated.

He maintained that political differences should not stop leaders from interacting during public functions, community events and development discussions.

The former aspirant further argued that constructive engagement with county leadership does not amount to abandoning his political stand or compromising his ideals.

Kariuki noted that some politicians were deliberately spreading propaganda to portray him as having shifted allegiance for personal gain. He reiterated that he remains firm in defending the interests of the people who supported him during the heated Mbeere North by-election contest.

Karish became widely known across Embu County following his fierce political battle with with the current area MP Leo wa Muthende during the by-election. The youthful politician contested the seat using the Democratic Party (DP) ticket but lost to Leo wa Muthende, who vied under the ruling United Democratic Alliance party ticket in a highly contested race that attracted national political attention.

Despite the defeat, Kariuki has continued to maintain a strong political presence on the ground, with his supporters insisting that he remains a formidable force in Mbeere North politics.

At the same time, he pointed to his ongoing legal and political efforts concerning the by-election as proof that he has not joined the government side.

Kariuki questioned how he could have been compromised to join the same camp whose preferred candidate he is still challenging over the outcome of the election.

His remarks come as residents keenly await a court ruling scheduled for May 21 regarding his petition challenging the outcome of the Mbeere North by-election.

Political observers say the ruling could significantly shape Kariuki’s political future and determine whether he still has a realistic pathway to capturing the parliamentary in future.

Even after losing the by-election, Karish has continued traversing different parts of Mbeere North attending funerals, church functions and youth meetings in what many interpret as an early strategy to maintain his political relevance ahead of future contests.

His growing grassroots visibility has continued fueling speculation that he may once again challenge for the parliamentary seat in 2027.

However, Kariuki’s political strategy ahead of the next General Election remains unclear, especially on the party he will use to mount his possible second attempt.

While he previously contested using the Democratic Party ticket, it remains a matter of wait and see whether he will stick with the party or seek another political vehicle as political realignments continue taking shape in the Mt Kenya region.

Health Services Paralysed in Embu as Workers Down Tools Over Delayed April Salaries

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Health services across Embu County have been brought to a standstill after health workers commenced a strike following delays in the payment of their April salaries by the County Government.
Officials representing health workers when they addressed press Embu town. They said they had not been paid their April salaries leading to industrial action.  MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka 

The industrial action began today after the expiry of a seven-day strike notice issued to the employer, which the workers say was not acted upon or addressed within the required time.
According to the health workers, they are yet to receive their April salaries, a situation that has left many of them financially strained and uncertain about their welfare.

They further lamented that the County Government has not issued any clear communication explaining the cause of the delay or when the salaries will be paid.

Speaking outside the Governor’s offices, today Wednesday 13th May ,union officials representing different cadres of health workers said they had exhausted all avenues of dialogue before resorting to the strike.

They accused the County Government of failing to prioritize the welfare of medical staff despite their critical role in delivering essential health services to residents.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) branch leadership stated that nurses can no longer continue offering full services under conditions where their salaries are consistently delayed.
Branch Secretary Macharia Kanderi said health workers will only attend to emergency cases until their concerns are addressed by the employer.

He noted that the strike will inevitably affect service delivery in both county hospitals and health centres across Embu.

The union officials also raised concerns over what they termed as repeated violations of a legally binding agreement requiring salaries to be paid not later than the 5th day of the following month. They argued that failure to adhere to the agreement has led to growing mistrust between workers and the County Government.

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) also joined in criticizing the County Government, accusing it of ignoring long-standing issues affecting healthcare workers.

KUCO Branch Chair Aloysius Njoka said matters such as delayed promotions, non-remittance of statutory deductions, and unfulfilled Collective Bargaining Agreements remained unresolved.
He said the situation reflects a pattern of neglect that has persisted for years despite multiple engagements and agreements.

The unions have now called on the County Government of Embu to urgently address the salary delays and other outstanding grievances in order to restore normal health service delivery across the county.

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