https://kmpdu.org/kisii-county-commits-to-key-healthcare-reforms-following-kmpdu-engagement/
KMPDU Nyanza yesterday hosted Kisii County Governor H.E. Simba Arati for a high-level Town Hall meeting that brought together a record 85 consultants, alongside members of the County Public Service Board, Human Resource Department, and the County Department of Health.
The engagement provided a platform for doctors to directly raise concerns affecting healthcare delivery, workforce welfare, and the functioning of health facilities across the county. Following extensive discussions, several key resolutions were agreed upon between the County Government and healthcare professionals.
On medical equipment, the County Government committed to receiving a shipment of essential equipment within the next month to address existing shortages. Any remaining gaps will be addressed through a collaborative plan involving relevant departments to ensure facilities are adequately equipped for service delivery.
The County further committed to processing all pending promotion and re-designation cases, currently standing at 58, by the end of November 2026. In addition, arrears arising from the 2025/2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are expected to reflect on doctors’ payslips by or before November 2026.
Doctors serving under probationary terms received assurances that their confirmations will be completed by December 2026. On medical insurance, the County Government and healthcare unions agreed to jointly develop an improved medical cover ahead of the expiry of the current scheme in November 2026, with the aim of addressing gaps identified in the existing package.
To address workforce shortages, the ongoing recruitment exercise will be concluded within seven working days, strengthening staffing levels in health facilities across the county. The County also reaffirmed its commitment to postgraduate medical training, noting that 25 doctors have been supported to pursue master’s training over the last five years, with plans to expand specialist and subspecialist training opportunities through structured mentorship and collegiate training programmes.
Governor Arati called upon all doctors to adhere to the 40-hour work week as provided for under the CBA, emphasizing that optimal staffing and availability of healthcare workers are essential for improving service delivery to Kisii residents. He also announced the inclusion of consultants in a county task force that will oversee healthcare improvement initiatives and conduct regular reviews of progress.
KMPDU Nyanza welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with employers through structured dialogue. The Union believes that sustained collaboration between healthcare workers and county governments is critical to addressing systemic challenges, improving working conditions, and ensuring quality healthcare services for the people of Kisii County.
Dr. Onyango Ndonga
KMPDU Nyanza.
