President William Ruto's administration got a shot in the arm after the UK government wired funds to help strengthen its health workforce.
The UK's Department of Health and Social Care, in a statement dated Friday, May 19, indicated that Kenya will share Ksh2.5 billion with Nigeria and Ghana. The financial aid is expected to help the three African countries build resilience against global health challenges.
The UK expressed optimism that President Ruto's administration would channel the funds toward bolstering the workforce in the health sector.
"Recognising the importance of the health workforce in lower and middle-income countries in improving health outcomes and achieving universal health coverage, the funding will enable people in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana to access the full range of health services they need, when they need it," the UK government announced.
While confirming the remittance of the financial aid, Health Minister Will Quince insisted that strengthening the workforce was key to tackling the pandemic.
He revealed that the UK was inspired to release Ksh2.5 billion to mitigate the ravaging effects of the pandemic, which exposed many countries to staff shortages.
"Highly proficient, resilient staff are the backbone of a strong health service, so I’m delighted we can support the training, recruitment and retention of proficient health workforces in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.
"This funding aims to make a real difference in strengthening the performance of health systems in each of the participating countries, which will have a knock-on effect on boosting global pandemic preparedness and reducing health inequalities," Quince stated.
Additionally, the UK committed to running a social care programme aimed at raising Ksh1.5 billion (£9 million ). The money will be given out as grants to non-profit organisations in the participating countries.
The grant programme would run for two years allowing not-for-profit organisations to coordinate the delivery of partnership work in participating countries.
On top of that, the UK noted that Kenyan healthcare workers will be linked to UK institutions, promoting skills exchanges and improving the curriculum, regulation and guidance through the partnership.
The financial aid came amidst threats from health officials to down their tools due to salary delays. In January 2023, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) suspended its strike after striking a deal with the Council of Governors.
Before lifting the strike notice, the medical practitioners had accused their employers of failing to honour their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017.
Negotiations helped to avert the crisis in government-owned hospitals countrywide.
