CS Chelugui unaware of nurses' English test results

Labor CS Simon Chelugui has said that he is not aware of nurses' failing test after his health counterpart Mutahi Kagwe said the majority of nurses' failed

On October 27, Kagwe said, "Unfortunately out of 300 examined health workers only 10 passed the English test."

However, Chelugui said, “I am not aware of any result so far as to whether the health workers failed or not. But I understand the group shall be booked somewhere this week for examination."

The CS spoke on Saturday while presiding over a fundraiser to build a library at Kaptiriony Mixed Secondary School in Baringo Central subcounty.

He was accompanied by Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie, assembly speaker David Kiplagat and several MCAs.

Chelugui said the country is expected to send 20,000 nurses for a three-year contract in UK after President Uhuru Kenyatta signed a bilateral healthcare agreement with the UK on July 29.

He urged more nurses to apply.

“At least 2,600 have passed the ministry of health quality training and competency examination,” Chelgui said.

He said it is now upon the British Council to take the recruits through English, Medical checkup and computer literacy tests related to their profession.

“After which the successful list of names will be forwarded to my ministry so we can forward them to the British High Commission which will then process their travel visas,” he said.

The CS urged nurses to prepare for the exams.

Nurses are expected to earn about Sh300,000 in the UK, get three months free housing upon arrival and comprehensive medical benefits. Their children will attend school for free and their spouses will access working opportunities in UK.

Meanwhile, Chelgui criticized the planned redundancies at Kemsa, terming it rushed.

“This has caused unnecessary anxiety in the health ministry, I rather suggest slow investigative process that includes a fair hearing before victimising individuals,” Chelugui said.