Kenya’s healthcare sector is facing significant challenges due to a proliferation of laws, political interference, and the influence of business interests, members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health were informed today.
During a consultative meeting with the Presidential Taskforce on addressing Human Resources for Health, chaired by Prof. Khama Rogo, MPs were briefed on the obstacles impeding the efficient functioning of the healthcare system. Prof. Rogo revealed that the sector is governed by at least 43 different cadres, each regulated by a distinct law, which has complicated efforts to streamline operations and manage healthcare workers effectively.
“It is time to consolidate the laws and do away with others,” Prof. Rogo said, emphasizing the need for a more cohesive legal framework to improve service delivery.
The Taskforce Vice Chairperson, Judith Guserwa, alongside Prof. Rogo, also raised concerns about the growing political interference in the healthcare sector. They both stressed that healthcare should be above political division, with Guserwa underscoring, “Health does not know tribe or political affiliation.”
One notable example of political interference highlighted during the session was the prolonged delay in the confirmation of Dr. Patrick Amoth as the Health Director General. Despite his qualifications and significant experience, including serving as the former chairperson of the World Health Organization (WHO) board, Dr. Amoth was only confirmed in August of last year after nearly five years in an acting capacity.
Additionally, MPs questioned why many medical specialists prefer working in the private sector, rather than public hospitals, where their expertise is most needed. Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess), chairperson of the committee, called on the task force to investigate the issue and find solutions to ensure that specialists are more productive in public hospitals.
“It is a fact that our medical specialists are not very productive at public hospitals. The task force should look into that matter,” said Dr. Pukose.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Pukose assured the Taskforce of the Committee’s full support in addressing the issues plaguing the sector, reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to improving healthcare standards for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“As a Committee, we shall endeavor to be responsive to the needs of Kenyans in this key sector,” Dr. Pukose added.
The session today underscored the urgent need for reforms to resolve the multiple issues constraining Kenya’s healthcare system, with MPs and the Presidential
