By Suleiman Mbatia
Nakuru residents are set to benefit from more stable and reliable public health services after the county government absorbed 308 healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable terms to strengthen staffing, improve retention, and minimise service disruptions. Health remains Nakuru County’s top budget priority, with Sh8.5 billion allocated to the sector, representing 38.3% of the county budget, excluding development fiscal balances.
The county operates an extensive public health network comprising:
15 Level IV hospitals
43 Level III facilities
162 Level II facilities
350 functional community health units
On Wednesday, Governor Susan Kihika handed over appointment letters to the newly confirmed workers. She described the absorption as part of her administration’s commitment to improving staff welfare and enhancing service delivery. “By absorbing these 308 healthcare workers on permanent and pensionable terms, we are keeping our pledge to place staff welfare at the centre of quality, affordable and timely healthcare,” Governor Kihika said. The workers include nurses, clinical officers, nutritionists, dietitians, laboratory technologists, and pharmacists, who previously served on contract or other temporary terms.
Expected Benefits
For health workers, the move provides greater job security, structured career progression, and pension benefits. It is also expected to help facilities retain institutional knowledge and reduce high staff turnover. For patients, county officials anticipate more consistent services, better follow-up care, improved supervision, and stronger accountability, particularly in hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, maternity units, and outpatient departments.
Broader HR Reforms
The absorption forms part of a wider human resource programme. In the 2024/25 financial year, the county recruited 178 health workers, promoted 275, trained 30, and supported five doctors for further specialisation. Current plans include recruiting 107 more health workers, 31 common-cadre promotions, 288 competitive promotions, and converting 188 contract staff to permanent and pensionable terms. Nakuru’s health workforce has grown from 3,082 in 2022/23 to 3,446 in 2023/24, representing an 11.8% increase.
Governor Kihika emphasised that a motivated workforce is key to the county’s health transformation agenda. “A well-motivated health workforce is essential to efficient service delivery, and we will continue promoting, recruiting and supporting our teams so that patients receive better care closer to home,” she said.
Financing and Operational Improvements
The staffing reforms are complemented by other initiatives. Facility Improvement Fund collections reached Sh1.795 billion in 2024/25, and 221 facilities have been enrolled under the Social Health Authority. However, challenges persist. The county projects a Sh2.54 billion health financing deficit in 2026/27. Delayed reimbursements also continue to strain facilities, with outstanding NHIF claims totalling Sh466.3 million and SHA reimbursements totalling Sh462.3 million as of December 31, 2025.
Spending on drugs and non-pharmaceutical commodities rose to Sh851.3 million in 2024/25 (from Sh777.3 million in 2022/23), helping reduce stockouts from 55% to 45%. The county is partnering with KEMSA and MEDS, and using last-mile delivery systems to improve supply chains.
Digital and Primary Care Push
Nakuru is advancing digital health systems, with Kenya EMR implemented in 14 facilities and automation planned for 220 facilities through Taifa Care. The goal is a paperless health information system by the end of 2027. The county has also expanded primary care through 16 primary care networks, 197 spokes, and 389 community health units, while strengthening specialised services in oncology, radiology, laboratory, surgical, and maternity care.
Governor Kihika noted that the latest staff absorption must result in tangible improvements, shorter waiting times, better patient experience, and increased public trust in county facilities. She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to investing in both infrastructure and personnel, stating that buildings, equipment, and digital systems can only deliver results when supported by adequate, skilled, and motivated staff.
