The Ministry of Health on Thursday, May 2, suspended the salaries of about 250 employees on grounds of failing to declare their wealth.
Health PS Kimtai, while addressing a delegation at Afya House, announced that the Ministry of Health had begun a comprehensive headcount of all workers within the ministry.
The PS noted the move was aimed at realigning its staff with the recently approved structure by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
According to PS Kimtai, there was a need to align staff assignments with the newly established framework, highlighting the importance of technical officers for departmental operations.
Kimtai stated that the exercise was mainly for record updating, placing individuals according to their specialities, and aligning heads of divisions and directorates.
"The headcount aims to ensure payroll accuracy and eliminate discrepancies through certificate verifications, updating records, and streamlining divisions and directorates accordingly," the Health PS stated.
"This reflects the Ministry's commitment to organizational efficiency and accountability," he added.
The PS also noted the scrutiny would involve county health workers and directed the striking medical officers to report back to work and submit the necessary paperwork.
According to the PS, non-compliance by the striking county medical officers would lead to s stiffer disciplinary action by the ministry.
Initial findings revealed discrepancies at Mathari and Spinal facilities, where personnel listed on the payroll were found to be deployed elsewhere.
The Ministry of Health urged all staff to submit paperwork by May 7 to avoid salary disruptions and potential disciplinary measures.
The move comes days after doctors vowed to continue with their protests until the government heeds their demands.
