Kenyans working in the healthcare sector are set to benefit from a Ksh2.8 billion (£15 million) fund donated by the United Kingdom (UK) government.
Reports indicate that the UK is set to provide the funds to boost recruitment and retainment of staff in three countries including Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.
The Money, which is expected to be disbursed between 2022 and 2025, will be provided by the Official Development Assistance (ODA).
According to the organisation, the money is expected to expand access to health solution by residents from poor communities in the three countries.
UK Health Minister Will Quince told the press that the money will strengthen health systems in the developing countries which experiences unnecessary deaths that can be avoided.
“Highly skilled, resilient staff are the backbone of a strong health service, so I’m delighted we can support the training, recruitment and retention of skilled health workforces in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana," Quince stated.
“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.”
ODA is a government aid that promotes and specifically targets the economic development and welfare of developing countries.
The assistance was launched in 1969 remains the main source of financing for development aid after the data is collected and verified. The funds emanate from UK taxpayers.
UK Hiring Nurses
The aid comes a week after Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha flagged off the second batch of 76 nurses to work in the UK.
The flag off was part of a bilateral agreement signed between the two countries in July 2022 under the banner, Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA). The first batch comprised of 19 nurses.
