A showdown is looming within the Ministry of Health as public health officers reject the findings of the Presidential Taskforce on Addressing Human Resources for Health.
The public health officers, through their union, faulted the report on Tuesday, especially the finding that the two principal secretaries in the Ministry of Health do not agree.
According to the preliminary findings presented to the National Assembly's Committee on Health, the task force observed a lack of communication and collaboration between the Principal Secretaries overseeing Medical Services and Public Health, describing their relationship as akin to a "total civil war."
Prof. Khama Rogo, the task force's chair, said that the discord has contributed to inefficiencies and internal conflicts within the ministry.
The two Principal Secretaries in question are Mary Muriuki for Public Health and Professional Standards and Harry Kimtai who heads the Medical Services—the two work under the Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.
Rogo told the Committee that there is a lack of communication between the two Principal Secretaries overseeing Medical Services and Public Health, likening their relationship to a hostile conflict. "The numerous cadres are fighting each other. We have a situation where the national government and county governments don't talk to each other. This cannot be allowed to go on," he said.
However, the Association of Public Health Officers Kenya (APHOK) has faulted these findings arguing they were influenced by the Director General of Health, Patrick Amoth.
According to the civil servants, the presidential task force findings do not paint a true picture of the ministry as Amoth is part of the committee.
“The technical shortfalls formed by the task force were due to the inefficiency of the Director General of Health as the technical advisor of the ministry," APHOK Secretary General Mohamed Duba said.
He added, “The alleged conflict between the two Principal Secretaries, which was in any case not part of the terms of reference for the task force, was given a lot of emphasis as a diversionary blindfold technical media by the director general.”
Another member of the union asserted, “The report that came out did not capture what is ailing the Ministry of Health.
Adding, “The DG should respect the two arms of service delivery at the Ministry of Health. We have the curative and the public health arm.”
The task force also identified issues such as overlapping policies, a fragmented organizational structure, and a lack of clear accountability, all of which have hindered effective healthcare delivery.
Rogo described the ministry's structure as ineffective, stating, "We have looked at the Health Ministry organogram and sat with the Public Service Commission and found that it is not a progressive structure. You cannot tell who is answerable to whom."
The High Court last week termed the constitution of the task force as unconstitutional; however, the attorney general has said it will appeal the decision. The task force's tenure was set to end next month.
