The Department of Health accounts for Sh1.6 billion in personnel emoluments out of the total budget allocated to Embu County, a report shows.
The report, presented by Governor Cecily Mbarire to the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations of the Senate, said personnel emoluments in the health department constitute 45 per cent of the entire wage bill.
Mbarire noted that Embu Level 5 Hospital, previously a Provincial Hospital serving the entire Eastern Region, continues to operate with staff devolved from the national government.
“Many of these employees earn significantly high salaries, particularly consultants, some of whom earn up to Sh450,000 per month,” she stated.
The report further highlighted pressure from workers’ unions through Collective Bargaining Agreements as another reason for the high wage bill in the Health Department.
“Binding Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) have led to salary adjustments, increasing the personnel budget due to demands for improved remuneration, benefits, and working conditions,” the report stated.
Mbarire noted that the county is working to align with World Health Organisation recommendations for health facilities to be within five kilometers of residents.
“This has driven the construction of new health facilities, requiring recruitment of healthcare staff,” she noted.
She further noted that the national government's allocations have not increased to match the escalating responsibilities of devolved functions, such as education and other essential services.
“This funding stagnation has significantly constrained the county’s ability to manage personnel costs effectively,” she explained.
She added that despite the introduction of additional employer obligations, such as the Housing Levy and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions, there has been no corresponding increase in funding to cushion these extra expenditures.
“As a result, the county faces mounting financial pressure, struggling to balance its wage bill with the need to deliver critical services efficiently,” she stated.
She added that compliance with periodic minimum wage increases mandated by the national government has had a cascading impact on the county’s payroll budget, particularly with a large workforce.
