Medics have called on the government to establish a National Health Service Commission meant to address their welfare.
They said there is a growing national consensus from Kenya’s health sector to establish a commission to address systemic inequities, improve working conditions, and safeguard the integrity of the country’s health workforce.
Speaking on behalf of healthcare professionals, Moses Baiyenia, the National Trustee and Secretary of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Meru Branch, emphasized that a centralized Health Service Commission would bring fairness, structure, and professionalism to the management of health workers nationwide.
“Too often, underserved areas remain neglected while urban centers are overstaffed. A central body could correct this imbalance by deploying professionals based on need, not political convenience,” Baiyenia stated.
He further decried the political interference that often undermines healthcare delivery in counties, citing frequent cases of arbitrary transfers, dismissals, and intimidation of health workers by local officials.
“There is a pressing need to insulate healthcare professionals from such undue interference. A Health Service Commission would provide a legal and institutional buffer to protect workers and uphold their professional dignity,” he said.
Baiyenia raised concerns over the recurring industrial unrest that has plagued Kenya’s health sector, pointing to strikes that disrupt services and erode public trust.
“Strikes have become almost routine. A Health Service Commission would act as the central employer, facilitating negotiations, enforcing labor standards, and significantly reducing unrest,” he said.
He also painted a stark contrast between counties, with some health workers operating under extremely poor conditions, while others grapple with delayed salaries and poor leadership.
“Devolution was meant to bring healthcare closer to the people, but it has also fragmented personnel management. This has led to disparities in staffing, remuneration, and worker treatment,” Baiyenia noted.
Baiyenia advocated for uniform standards in training, ethics, and service delivery.
Baiyenia stressed that a national commission would ensure every Kenyan regardless of location receives quality care, a right enshrined in the Constitution.
He dismissed criticisms that a Health Service Commission would undermine devolution, clarifying that its role would be supportive and coordinative.
“This is not about reversing devolution. It’s about empowering counties with technical guidance, policy direction, and national coordination so they can focus on localized infrastructure and services,” he said.
Baiyenia also noted that a well structured commission could boost morale among health professionals by providing clear promotion pathways, professional development opportunities, and career growth framework.
“When health workers feel valued and protected, the entire country benefits. The debate over Kenya’s health workforce isn’t just about systems, it’s about lives. Every delay costs Kenyans through avoidable disruptions and poor staffing. Establishing a Health Service Commission is not only desirable; it is essential,” he said.
He appealed to policymakers to act with urgency and integrity.
“It’s time to place the dignity of health workers and the health of Kenyans above politics.”
