Kenya's Healthcare Commitment Head of Public Service, Hon. Felix Koskei, Reiterates Government's Dedication

𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨, 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 - Kenya's Head of Public Service, Hon. Felix Koskei, has reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to bolstering the nation's healthcare workforce and ensuring the delivery of secure and high-quality healthcare services to all its citizens. 

Addressing delegates at the National Human Resources for Health Dialogue in Kapkatet, Kericho County, Hon. Felix Koskei emphasized the pivotal role played by healthcare professionals in actualizing Kenya's constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health for its populace. 

He acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare workers and advocated for sustainable solutions through constructive dialogue.

A significant highlight during the event was the establishment of the Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council (KHHRAC), dedicated to addressing matters related to healthcare human resources. 

Koskei extended gratitude to the Council of Governors for their invaluable support in this crucial endeavor.

In his address, the Head of Public Service underscored the necessity of a collaborative approach in shaping a comprehensive agenda for human resources in healthcare. 

The objective is to establish specific action points and pragmatic timelines for pivotal initiatives aimed at elevating the status of Kenya's healthcare workforce.

Koskei also stressed the importance of aligning various elements of the healthcare system, encompassing health products, technologies, digital health, and healthcare financing. 

This alignment is designed to facilitate the efficient delivery of Universal Health Coverage.

Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of accurate data collection on healthcare workers to gauge the impact of policies. Koskei highlighted Kenya's proactive efforts in implementing the WHO-supported National Health Workforce Accounts and advocated for an approach prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers and mitigating strain through the Workload Indicators of Staffing Needs. 

In addition to Hon. Felix Koskei's sentiments Nakhumicha S. Wafula, Cabinet Secretary for Health, remarked, "We cannot close our eyes, nor can we close our ears. All patients are Kenyans, whether under national or county government care. Our teams are working together, and in the end, we will have a solution. We want everyone to fulfill their part. Healthcare workers must have a compassionate approach when serving patients, and we aim for their rightful recognition and rewards." 

Moreover, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Moses Kuria, called for a dialogue involving the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health to explore the issue 
of harmonization in the healthcare sector.

Attendees included Health Ministry PS’s Harry Kimtai and Mary Muthoni, Kericho Governor, Kakamega Governor, COG, Director-General for Health, Senators, and partners in health.