In Nyanza, most dispensaries are latent, and many of the operational ones mismanaged by MPs.

Political ambition seems to have driven the construction of the health facilities by previous and current legislators.

In Kisumu Town East constituency, Kotunga Health Centre in Kibosi initiated by former MP Gor Sunguh, ceased developing since legislator Shabir Shakeel assumed office.

Two others in Otonglo, one built through CDF and the other by Local Authority Trust Fund have not opened.

Several complaints

Usoma Dispensary together with a borehole next to it, in Aerodrome Ward in Kisumu, were built amid several complaints by the public that the contracts were awarded through favouritism. The two public utilities are built on private land.

Reports by a network of NGOs, under the leadership of Community Initiative Action Group — Kenya show that during the 2004/2005 financial year, Latf allocated Sh500,000 for the dispensary.

The first contractor estimated the cost at Sh499,325, but later varied it upwards. Available Latf reports show that Sh443,738 had been paid and the balance to date is Sh65,587.

An additional Sh80,000 was allocated for the same project in the subsequent financial year, shooting its cost to Sh680,000.

The proposed Obunga Dispensary, which had been allocated funds was abandoned at foundation level because the project had been located on a road reserve.

Residents of Obuolo Health Centre raised concerns that the quality of work might not have met the specifications.

Rodi Dispensary in Kisumu Rural Constituency is one of the well-managed dispensaries. The dispensary, which is well equipped, is currently running with four medical staff. Health minister Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is also the area MP, is keeping a keen eye on its operations.

Change in political leadership during the General Election left projects started by the previous regime abandoned or stalled because leaders thought their rivals would take the credit.

Some health centres and dispensaries are abandoned or under-funded due to politics.

Bobaracho Dispensary in Nyaribari Chache constituency, which was initiated by former MP Simeon Nyachae, has since stalled because of lack of funding from the CDF kitty.

Residents claim the project stalled because area MP Robert Monda has never visited it since he took office.

Some dispensaries are complete, but have inadequate staff, Irondi, being one of them with only a nurse.

In Kitutu Chache constituency, CDF has built four dispensaries. Area MP Richard Onyonka said they constructed three health centres, including Iranda, at a cost of Sh1.2 million, Omoraa Sh1.3 and Nyaore Sh1.1.

Examination room

Mr Onyonka said Iranda has six wards and examination rooms. Another Sh650,000 was used to refurbish and change the roof of Marani District Hospital, which was in a terrible state, he said.

The North Mugirango-Borabu CDF committee has spent Sh48 million to fund 41 dispensaries, a health centre and sub-district hospital.

According to CDF manager Edward Ratemo Gwaya, the few that are operational are poorly equipped and have also inadequate staff.