Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has proposed the establishment of a Kenya Doctors and Health Care Workers Commission aimed at improving the management of medical professionals nationwide.
During a live televised address on Monday, Nyoro emphasized the need for a unified national platform to oversee doctors and healthcare workers. The commission would harmonize employment terms and facilitate smoother transfers across counties, addressing current challenges faced by health workers.
"Currently, doctors moving between counties face difficulties. For instance, a doctor working in Nyamira who marries in Kwale must quit their job and seek new employment," Nyoro explained.
The proposed commission would also create a coordinated framework to tackle staffing shortages in health facilities and improve the welfare of medical personnel throughout Kenya.
Funding Reforms to Support Health Sector
Nyoro highlighted persistent funding gaps that burden many families with medical expenses despite substantial collections under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
He proposed that starting in 2028, workers’ contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) be halved, with the remaining half redirected to healthcare. This reallocation is expected to inject an additional Sh40 billion annually into the health sector, which could fund emergency and chronic illness care.
Upgrading Facilities and IT Systems
To reduce medical tourism, Nyoro suggested modernizing Kenyan health institutions to offer specialized treatments locally and position the country as a regional healthcare hub.
He also raised concerns over the management of healthcare IT systems, advocating for government control to ensure efficiency and security.
Nyoro concluded that practical reforms focusing on access, funding, and staffing would strengthen Kenya’s health sector and alleviate financial pressures on families.
