Uasin Gishu Health Chief Officer Ambrose Tarus in his office
Counties in the North Rift have welcomed the development of a new policy framework aimed at addressing persistent challenges in staffing, training and the equitable distribution of healthcare workers.
The government is finalising the Kenya Healthcare Professionals Policy, 2026, which seeks to advance reforms in the health sector.
The draft policy, developed by the Ministry of Health, has undergone public participation across the country, with stakeholder forums held in all counties.
It seeks to establish a coordinated national approach to managing healthcare professionals by strengthening governance, improving training standards, enhancing workforce planning and financing, and ensuring the equitable deployment of health workers in urban and rural areas.
The policy also proposes measures to curb the migration of skilled healthcare workers and establish reliable data systems to support informed decision-making in the health sector.
Uasin Gishu county chief officer for clinical services Ambrose Tarus said the policy would help streamline healthcare staffing across counties.
"This policy comes at a critical time when counties are facing real challenges in staffing, distribution and retention of healthcare professionals," she said.
Tarus said public participation would help ensure the final policy reflects the realities faced by county governments.
"The views collected from stakeholders across the counties will play a key role in strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring the policy benefits all Kenyans," he said.
Healthcare workers, administrators and policymakers from across the North Rift region participated in the stakeholder consultations.
Officials from the Ministry of Health, led by director of Professional Standards Martin Muli, emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping a policy that addresses the country's healthcare workforce needs.
Once finalised, the policy will be submitted to Parliament for approval before being adopted nationally.
Health officials from Nandi, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Baringo counties also expressed support for the policy, saying it would help improve the management and distribution of healthcare professionals across the region.
