- Through meticulous planning and engagement with stakeholders, the government is designing a roadmap for a 21st Century public service.
- This roadmap will streamline processes, enhance human resource management, and foster an environmentally responsive service.
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Clinical officers still on strike, let’s hope the same wisdom and cooperation is used to end it.
The recent end of the strike and signing of a return-to-work agreement between public hospital doctors and the government is a testament to the unity of purpose and cooperation among government players and the judiciary.
Television footage captured the historic moment when union officials shook hands with senior government representatives and governors after signing the documents. It was a great moment for Kenyans, especially those in need of medical help across the country, which had been disrupted for 56 days.
The agreement creates a roadmap to address critical issues raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union. They include salary arrears dating back to a 2017 collective bargaining agreement and the union’s demands for improved medical insurance coverage.
Strikes and grumbling by players in the health sector in Kenya are perennial and seeing a successful approach whereby the government led by the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service was totally committed to and adhered to the law must be an encouraging for Kenyans.
Government communication throughout the process was also been effective, consistent and transparent, helped greatly by the direction of the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
While some concerns, such as the hiring of interns, remain pending in court, the national government agreement with the KMPDU reflects a commitment to resolving outstanding issues in a timely manner. The union and the government agreed that the interns will be posted within 60 days. Despite financial constraints, the government's commitment to addressing immediate concerns, such as salary arrears and budgetary support for medical student interns, underscores its dedication to sustainable improvement in the health sector. Even as the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakumicha lamented the disruption of her Ministry’s implementation of Universal Health Coverage by the strike, getting back on track must provide a new impetus for her ministry and the government.
In the aftermath of the heavy rains and flooding where lives have been lost, and the looming danger of communicable diseases such as cholera, the resolution of the strike provides much-needed relief to Kenyans. The many hours spent in meetings and negotiations demonstrated a government keen to deliver for Kenyans. The the oneness and collaborative approach stands out as one effective approach for President Ruto’s government. The Head of Public Service has also been coordinating government operations related to the flood crisis across the country.
Throughout the approach, governors have been directly involved in resolving the issues, and in signing the formula with the KMPDU, they will be keen to honour their part. Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru had the company of Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi, Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri and others through the process of negotiations. The county governments pledged to pay all salary arrears to doctors and to provide medical insurance. It took political will in the national and county governments to embark on the new process of resolving health matters in Kenya.
While the end of the doctors' strike marks a significant achievement, challenges might persist as another group of health workers, clinical officers, remain on strike. However, the unity and collaboration demonstrated in resolving the doctors' strike serve as a beacon of hope for addressing broader healthcare challenges in Kenya. Koskei ably managed to ensure unity in the successful process which brought together the Council of Governors that tackled relevant issues on behalf of all 47 counties. Had there been disunity between the various levels of government, the process would have stalled and the strike would have continued at a wrong time for the country.
Adherence to court orders is also highly commendable for the Kenya Kwanza government Led by the Executive office of the President. Koskei's statement on April 3, urging compliance with court orders by KMPDU, reflected the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering a culture of accountability.
“The government at both tiers, state agencies, and institutional stakeholders support the efforts to resolve the current dispute and bring about a permanent end to the cycle of industrial action in the Health Sector. They remain committed to fostering constructive dialogue, addressing concerns, and ensuring the health and well-being of all Kenyans,” Koskei stated.
The KMPDU's highlighting of 19 critical issues within the healthcare sector prompted their demand for action from the government. These concerns, including salary arrears, delays in the internship programme, and financial stability for healthcare workers, were addressed through Koskei's leadership, which embodies a commitment to restoring trust and stability in Kenya's healthcare sector. Through adherence to legal processes, meticulous mediation efforts, and a focus on tangible outcomes, Koskei set a precedent for collaborative engagement and constructive dialogue, laying the foundation for enduring reforms prioritising the health and well-being of all Kenyans.
Giving space to agencies such as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to do their work is another legally sound and sustainable approach by the government. Koskei has also been at the forefront calling on and supervising government agencies to carry out their duties and ensure all sectors in the country can function effectively. There is talk of serious reforms in the civil service in the offing, which will be geared towards ensuring that the government works effectively to deliver services and deal with challenges such as graft within its ranks.
Besides the health sector reforms, the Kenyan government is embarking on bold reforms within the civil service to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. Led by the Office of Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, a Technical Working Group comprising officers fromMinistries, Departments, and Agencies was formed last year and has the support of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis. It has developed a comprehensive Public Service Continuous Improvement Programme that aims to create a results-oriented, citizen-centric Public Service, embracing automation and promoting merit-based career progression.
Through meticulous planning and engagement with stakeholders, including the public and civil society, the government is designing a roadmap for a 21st Century public service. This roadmap will streamline processes, enhance human resource management, and foster an environmentally responsive service.
By prioritising these reforms, the government demonstrates its commitment to building a more responsive and effective civil service, one that is better equipped to meet the needs of the Kenyan people.
Political commentator