MP Mary Maingi:
“This idea of healthcare professionals working in both public and private practice is killing our healthcare system. If you’re in public service, stay there. If you prefer private practice, choose that path.”
Moderator:
“MPs have raised serious concerns about the state of public healthcare in Kenya. The debate heated up in the National Assembly’s Health Committee session on Monday. Lawmakers accused doctors and nurses of neglecting their public duties in favor of private clinics, worsening the crisis in public hospitals.”
Prof. Khama Rogo (Chair, Presidential Task Force on Human Resources for Health):
“We are witnessing what I call the ‘Magic of Ngong Road.’ On one side, we have Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where medical professionals are fully employed by the government. On the other side, private hospitals employ the same personnel. A doctor who seems overwhelmed at KNH suddenly becomes an angel when attending to you in a private facilityThis idea of healthcare professionals working in both public and private practice is killing our healthcare system. If you’re in public service, stay there. If you prefer private practice, choose that path.”
MP Patrick Munene:
“They report to work at KNH, see a few patients, and then disappear to their private clinics, where they spend the rest of the day. The result? Patients in public hospitals suffer due to absenteeism and poor service.”
Moderator:
“This issue is not just a Nairobi problem. Rural areas are also feeling the effects.”
MP Jaldesa Guyo:
“Most specialized services are concentrated in Nairobi and Kiambu. If you live in Moyale or Turkana, you may have to travel hundreds of kilometers to access proper medical care
KEMSA would function better if led by a procurement expert, not necessarily a doctor. But due to political interference, appointments take forever. Essential drugs and medical supplies are delayed because of these inefficiencies..”
Moderator:
“MPs also blamed the management of the healthcare system, particularly the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).”
Dr. James Nyikal (MP for Seme, Former Medical Administrator):
“KEMSA would function better if led by a procurement expert, not necessarily a doctor. But due to political interference, appointments take forever. Essential drugs and medical supplies are delayed because of these inefficiencies.”
Moderator:
“The Presidential Task Force on Human Resources for Health, appointed by President William Ruto, is expected to submit recommendations in March. Their review could lead to major policy changes regarding how medical professionals are recruited and distributed across Kenya’s public and private sectors.”
What’s Next?
🔹 Should doctors be restricted from running private clinics while working in public hospitals?
🔹 Can county governments do more to retain healthcare workers in rural areas?
🔹 Will the Task Force’s recommendations bring real change?
