Strengthening the availability of evidence and fostering dialogue to stimulate investment in Kenya's health workforce

^{"Five years ago, I used to be 1 of 2 nurses working at this facility. I remember when some clients would come and I used to turn them down because I was too tired. These days, we are a team of 4 so I am able to respond to my patients efficiently, Even when one of us goes on leave, we still have capacity," said Esther Omagwa, a nurse at Railways Health Centre in Kisumu. Credit: WHO/Genna Print}

Staff at Railways Health Centre have seen a great improvement in their health workforce. Over five years the facility has expanded from 10 to 30 staff members, reflecting the broader national initiative to enhance healthcare delivery through strategic workforce development. Health workers are fundamental to strong health systems, and to progress towards universal health coverage.

This was due to sustained interventions by government and its partners to improve the availability of health workers to deliver health services across the country.

According to the Kenya's Health Labour Market Analysis 2023, which was conducted with technical and financial support from WHO, Kenya has doubled its health workforce in the last 10 years. This includes nurses, midwives, doctors, clinical officers and other trained professionals.

Improved availability of health workers at healthcare facilities across Kenya has significantly enhanced patient care, leading to an increase in individuals seeking treatment and improved quality of care offered at the health facilities nationwide.

^{Elizabeth brings her daughter Princes Angel to the Railways Health Clinic to get tested for malaria, April 2024. Credit: WHO/Genna Print}

The Government of Kenya has been using data, evidence, and multi-stakeholder dialogues to identify and implement strategic interventions to address its health workforce challenges. This supported the strategic investment needed in implementing the Kenya Human Resources for Health (HRH) Strategy 2019-2023, which is the foundation on which WHO supports the Kenyan Ministry of Health.

"To effectively use the investments made in the health sector as part of the UHC journey, there is need for a fit-for-purpose health workforce with appropriate skills mix and adequate number," said Dr Sultani Matendechero, Acting Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health, Kenya

Improving data availability and quality for decision-making

Since 2020, with support from the UHC Partnership, WHO has provided technical and financial support to strengthen the availability of and use of data for health workforce strategic planning and health workforce management at national and county levels.

"It is my sincere hope that the findings of the health labour market analysis will provide evidence-based recommendations that will inform the Human Resources for Health policy and further improve the health care services in the country. I encourage you all to utilize the findings for decision-making, planning and programming," said Dr Patrick Amoth, Director General, Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Engagement through multi-stakeholder national dialogue

WHO, through the UHC Partnership and United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) - Global Health Workforce Programme, supported the Kenya Health Human Resources Advisory Council (KHHRAC) to hold a National Dialogue on Strengthening Health Workforce Development and Management. This dialogue convened stakeholders from national and county governments and public and private sectors that work directly with the health workforce or in related sectors such as education.

During the two days dialogue, over 100 participants including policymakers, health workers' labour unions, professional associations, training institutions, and health workers themselves engaged in discussions to identify challenges and solutions including what has worked well in the past.

The dialogue culminated with the signing of the Kericho National Declaration on Health Workforce with resolutions and actions to be implemented by the Ministry of Health and stakeholders over two years. If translated effectively into investments and policies, the Kericho Declaration can significantly advance Kenya's efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

"Kenya is demonstrating its commitment to achieving health for all through decisive action, with health workers serving as the backbone of the health system. The points that emerged from the national dialogue provide significant milestones to ensure that UHC becomes a reality," said Dr Diallo Abdourahmane, WHO Representative to Kenya.

The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO.

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