NAIROBI- Kenya is set to make history with the development of its first-ever Human Resources for Health (HRH) policy since gaining independence, in a move aimed at addressing long-standing workforce challenges in the healthcare sector.
The landmark initiative has been spearheaded by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who confirmed that the country has never before had a comprehensive policy guiding the management, training, and distribution of healthcare workers.
“Since independence, Kenya has never had a policy on human resources for health. For the first time, I have initiated the process of developing one to address the HRH challenges affecting our country both at the national and county level,” Duale said.
Since independence Kenya has never had a policy on human resources for health (HRH).
For the first time I have initiated the process of developing one to address the HRH challenges affecting our country both at the National and County level.
This will ensure we train the… pic.twitter.com/1xAYWX5P5f
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 29, 2026
The announcement comes alongside a public notice issued by the Ministry of Health calling for comments and stakeholder participation on the draft Kenya Healthcare Professionals’ Policy, 2026.
Filling a Historic Policy Gap
For decades, Kenya’s health sector has operated without a unified framework to guide workforce planning and development, often resulting in staffing shortages, uneven distribution of health workers, and mismatches in skills across regions.
The proposed policy seeks to correct these gaps by ensuring:
- Adequate supply of healthcare professionals
- Proper skills mix aligned with national needs
- Equitable deployment across counties
- Improved performance and accountability
It also aims to strengthen governance, financing, training, and regulatory systems within the health workforce.
Supporting Universal Health Coverage
The HRH policy is expected to play a critical role in advancing Universal Health Coverage, a key pillar of the government’s health agenda.
Duale emphasized that healthcare workers are central to achieving this goal.
“Beyond medicines and infrastructure, the UHC agenda recognizes the critical role that health workers play in keeping our country safe and healthy,” he said.
Nationwide Public Participation
In line with constitutional requirements, the Ministry has opened the draft policy to public scrutiny, inviting stakeholders, professionals, unions, and members of the public to submit their views.
Public hearings are scheduled across various regions in April 2026, ensuring inclusivity and representation from diverse groups, including youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
Written submissions must be received by April 16, 2026.
A Defining Moment for Healthcare Reform
The initiation of the HRH policy marks a turning point for Kenya’s healthcare system, signaling a shift toward more structured and strategic workforce planning.
If successfully implemented, the policy is expected to address persistent human resource challenges and significantly improve healthcare delivery across both national and county levels—laying a strong foundation for a more resilient and equitable health system.
