Duale calls for public views on new Health Professionals HR Policy

The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to present their views on the proposed Kenyan Healthcare Professionals Policy 2026.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale says the country has never developed the key human resources instruments to regulate healthcare workers since independence.

The Policy seeks to ensure adequate supply, optimal skill mix, equitable distribution and effective performance of healthcare professionals in Kenya and improved health outcomes.

The policy aims, among others, to strengthen and regulate existing human resource for health governance, coordination and partnership mechanisms.

“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 levels,” Duale says.

He added that this will ensure we train the right cadre of healthcare workers in the right numbers to ensure a proper skills mix.

“Beyond medicines, brick and mortar, the President's UHC agenda acknowledges the central role that health workers play in keeping our country safe and healthy. I hope that all the stakeholders, especially the Unions, will fully participate in this process.”

Duale says the new police also aims at improving the quality and relevance of education and training programs of healthcare professions and strengthening/ harmonising the legislative and regulatory framework of healthcare professionals.

“We call upon all peons, including women, older members of the society, persons with disabilities, youth and members of minority and marginalised groups to effectively participate in these public participation processes to ensure the proposed Policy reflects the needs and expectations of the society,” Duale’s notice states.

Those sending their views have been asked to submit a written memorandum to the Cabinet Secretary’s office or send via email to [email protected] by the close of business on April 16, 2026.

Afya House has also organised public hearings across the country beginning on April 14 and concluding on April 16 across all 47 counties.

Residents of Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Machakos, Kajiado, Kitui and Makueni will present their views at Semera hotel, Machakos, while those o Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Trans Nzoia and Nandi will be held at Eka hotel, Eldoret.

Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Taita Taveta residents will be at the Sapphire hotel, Mombasa, while those from Garissa, Tana River, Wajir and Mandera will mat at the Palms Oasis hotel, Garissa.

Kericho, Bomet and Narok residents will present their views at ACK hall, Kericho while those of Nakuru and Baringo hold their meeting at Nuru Palace hotel, Nakuru as Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Nyamira residents converge at Jumuia hotel, Kisumu.

Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma County will hold their meetings at Golf Hotel, Kakamega while Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo and Marsabit will meet at Meru Slopes Hotel as their counterparts from Nyeri, Laikipia, Samburu and Nyandarua hold theirs ae Emess Hotel, Nanyuki.