The national government has confirmed that the Sh1 billion Level 5 hospital in Trans‑Nzoia County will proceed, even though Governor George Natembeya has publicly opposed the project.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Nandi, criticised the governor’s stance and said the hospital is part of President William Ruto’s referral network linked to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Murkomen noted that the national government is also supporting hospital upgrades in Samburu, Garissa and other northeastern counties, using Trans‑Nzoia as an example of proceeding despite local disagreement.

Governor Natembeya has vowed to stop construction, pledging to camp at the site on Monday and warning that the project would be built “over my dead body.”

He also accused President Ruto of over‑reaching into county responsibilities and claimed the hospital’s funding is a lie, alleging no money exists for the initiative.

The 300‑bed facility is slated for completion within eight months and will include 32 intensive‑care and high‑dependency beds, four operating theatres, emergency, radiology, laboratory, maternity and newborn wings, and surgical wards.

According to the government, the hospital will expand specialised healthcare access, relieve pressure on neighbouring facilities, and become part of a referral system anchored by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

President Ruto reiterated that funds are available for local health projects and blamed the county leadership for obstructing national development plans.