Ministry Of Health Moves To Tighten Oversight On Training Of Health Workers

The Ministry of Health has said it is ready to push for amendments aimed at strengthening its oversight role in the training of health professionals, in order to boost the credibility of Kenya’s health training institutions and build a stronger health system.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with the Commission for University Education (CUE), the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), and professional health regulators to address gaps between the health and education sectors.

The meeting resolved to develop a joint framework to integrate health workforce planning, training, and placement, while ensuring that all programmes and curricula meet set regulatory and professional standards.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Duale said the Ministry was determined to ensure the country produces enough skilled health workers to serve Kenyans.

“We are safeguarding patient safety and ensuring quality healthcare through higher professional standards,” said Duale.

The CS noted that the Ministry currently has a limited role in matters of student entry, establishment of programmes, and alignment of curricula with health sector needs, as provided under the Universities Act 2012.

“To close these gaps, we are ready to pursue amendments that will strengthen our oversight in the training pipeline, while respecting existing mandates,” he said.

He added that a joint framework is being developed to guide health workforce planning, training, and placement, while ensuring all programmes meet professional benchmarks.

“As a Ministry, we remain committed to Article 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health. This calls for producing skilled, multidisciplinary health teams to drive Taifa Care and deliver a health system that is safe, affordable and of the highest quality,” said Duale.