Kericho county employs 556 health workers on permanent terms

More than 500 health workers in Kericho County, who have been on contract for ten years, have been employed on permanent and pensionable terms.

Speaking during the issuance of the employment letters to the 556 staff, including 200 nurses, Governor Erick Mutai said the move was aimed at enhancing service delivery and boosting the medics morale.

Dr Mutai emphasized that the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to strengthen the healthcare sector.

"Since 2018, these 556 healthcare workers, including 200 nurses, have served diligently under contractual terms, demonstrating dedication amidst financial constraints," he said.

"Today, my administration is issuing them letters confirming their permanent and pensionable terms as a reward for their unwavering service in upholding the Hippocratic Oath and Nightingale Pledge," he added.

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As part of efforts to enhance healthcare services, the governor announced plans to recruit additional 136 health workers to alleviate the workload and improve service delivery across the county.

Kericho County Health Executive David Ekuwam affirmed the county’s commitment to support professional growth.

“Medical staff who wish to advance their studies will be facilitated to bridge gaps in service delivery,” Dr Ekuwam said.

Kericho County Assembly Health Committee Chairman Erick Bii called for medical insurance cover for all doctors in the county.

"There shouldn't be any discrimination in medical insurance coverage. There is no big or small doctor – all must be treated equally," he said.

The County Assembly's Health Committee Deputy Chairman Ishma Matker assured that the House is ready to allocate adequate funds to the health department to ensure seamless service delivery.

"We are ready to approve budgetary allocations that will facilitate the smooth operation of healthcare services in the county," he said.

Governor Mutai reiterated his administration’s commitment to boost investment in healthcare infrastructure.

He announced several flagship projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery in Kericho County.

The projects include the Sh358 million Non-Communicable Disease Centre at Kericho County Referral Hospital, Sosiot Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Unit at a cost of Sh158 million, Kunyak Health Centre Construction at a cost of Sh58 million.

Other projects are Cheborge/Cheboin Health Centre Construction (Sh55 million), a new casualty unit at Londiani Hospital, and asbestos replacement at Kericho County Referral Hospital.

Governor Mutai also announced a tripartite agreement between the County Government of Kericho, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa), and the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Under this arrangement, SHA will directly remit funds meant for medical supplies to Kemsa, eliminating delays in drug distribution to public hospitals.

"This agreement will ensure a steady supply of essential drugs and medical supplies, preventing shortages that often affect service delivery," said Mutai.