The task force will report to the President and the Ministry of Health.
President William Ruto on Saturday, July 6 named Roots Party Leader George Luchiri Wajackoyah’s 2022 presidential running mate Justina Wamae as part of a 20-member task force to address human resources for health in the country.
Ruto, via a Gazette notice, explained that the formation of the taskforce on Human Resources for Health was deemed necessary to formulate comprehensive strategies and policies to enhance the health care services in the country.
The Head of State also noted a need to assess and address current challenges and gaps in the recruitment, replacement, training and retention of healthcare professionals.
President William Ruto during a press briefing at State House on July 5, 2024. /PCS
Khama Rogo was appointed as the Chairperson of the task force and Judith Guserwa the Vice Chairperson.
Alongside Wamae, also named included familiar personalities such as Acting Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah.
Other members appointed to the task force were Dr John Masasabi, Dr Toseef Din, Dr Wilson Aruasa, Doreen Rhoda Kanyua, Prof. Francis Wafula, Dr Habiba Mohamed, Lucy Mburu and Collins Kiprono,
Others included Victor Miseda, Christine Okoth, Carolyne Mage, Jacinta Rwamba, Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, Dr. Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, and Benard Ondeng Otieno Choi.
President Ruto, in the gazette notice dated July 5, 2024, also named two joint secretaries to the task force, namely; Dr. Edna Tallam-Kimaiyo, and Morris Kaburu. Dr. Hezron Omollo and Vivienne M. Eyase were further named to the Secretariat.
“The term of the Presidential Taskforce shall be a period of six (6) months with effect from the date hereof, or for such a period as may be specified by notice in the Kenya Gazette,” read the notice in part.
The terms of reference include the following:
- Identify the Legal, Policy, Administrative and Operational constraints impeding the performance of the Health Sector in Kenya with regard to Human Resources for Health.
- Identifying and recommending legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational Human Resources for Health Reforms in Kenya.
- Review the performance of Human Resources for Health (HRH) in Kenya and recommend improvements, as well as advising and recommending the legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational framework for the management of human resources for health
- Review and advise on harmonization of the terms of employment for all healthcare workers in the spirit of equal work for equal pay, advise and recommend on the legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational framework for the prioritization of employment of 20,000 healthcare workers.
The task force will report to the President and the Ministry of Health.
On August 3, 2022, Wamae accused Wajackoyah of breaking the rules regarding the position of the Roots Party and for failing to consult her despite her position in the party and her name already on the ticket ahead of the August 9 general elections.
This led to a massive fallout within the top party leadership which culminated in her tendering her resignation from the Roots Party on September 22, 2022, days after the Supreme Court upheld President Ruto’s victory and his subsequent inauguration.
