The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has proposed the establishment of a National Health Services Commission (NHSC) as a transformative measure to address Kenya’s worsening healthcare workforce crisis. The country’s healthcare system is currently facing numerous challenges, including a shortage of qualified professionals, poor working conditions, and a significant brain drain. These systemic issues hinder the delivery of quality healthcare and pose a threat to the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
According to KMA’s Policy Advocacy and Communications Committee Convener, Wairimu Mwaniki, Kenya’s healthcare workforce is struggling due to poor coordination between the national and county governments. The devolved system of governance, while designed to bring services closer to the people, has created inconsistencies in healthcare management. Counties operate with varying levels of resources and policies, leading to disparities in service delivery and employment terms for healthcare workers.
Additionally, limited training opportunities for medical professionals have contributed to the crisis. The current system is not producing enough trained personnel to meet the demands of the growing population. Furthermore, the lack of a clear career progression structure for healthcare workers discourages many from staying in the sector. This, combined with poor remuneration and difficult working conditions, has led to an increasing number of professionals seeking employment opportunities abroad, exacerbating the already critical shortage of healthcare workers in Kenya.
KMA believes that the creation of a National Health Services Commission would help solve these issues by improving governance, enhancing workforce management, and ensuring a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources. The commission would act as a central body to oversee healthcare workforce planning, recruitment, and retention.
One of the key functions of the proposed NHSC would be bridging the gap between national and county governments. By standardizing employment terms and policies, the commission could ensure that healthcare workers across all regions receive fair remuneration and benefits, leading to better retention rates.
Furthermore, the commission could play a significant role in workforce training and professional development. By improving training programs and ensuring adequate opportunities for specialization, NHSC would create a pathway for career growth within the healthcare sector. This could motivate professionals to remain in the country and contribute to the local health system rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
KMA also argues that an NHSC would help strengthen healthcare regulatory frameworks. With a centralized system in place, the commission could track workforce distribution, ensuring that all regions have adequate staffing levels based on demand. This would prevent the current trend where urban centers have an oversupply of healthcare professionals while rural and marginalized areas remain underserved.
The commission could also enhance data-driven decision-making by maintaining an up-to-date record of healthcare professionals, their specialties, and their locations. Such data would be crucial for effective policy planning and implementation.
KMA stresses that achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kenya is impossible without addressing the challenges facing healthcare workers. A well-supported and well-managed workforce is fundamental to the delivery of quality healthcare services. The formation of a National Health Services Commission, according to KMA, is a critical step towards ensuring the country has a resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of all Kenyans.
With rising healthcare costs, increasing patient loads, and a growing population, Kenya must take bold steps to reform its healthcare sector. Establishing the NHSC would be a strategic move in ensuring that the country’s healthcare workforce is adequately equipped, fairly compensated, and motivated to provide quality care.
As discussions continue, stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including the government, professional bodies, and civil society, will need to work together to bring this vision to reality. The success of Kenya’s healthcare system depends on prioritizing the welfare of its workforce and implementing sustainable solutions that guarantee long-term improvement in service delivery.
