Duale assures Governors of better working relations

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is assuring Governors of a better working relationship as opposed to his predecessors, promising frequent consultations with the realization that health is a devolved function.

Speaking to the media after a high level consultative meeting between governors and the CS, which also served as a familiarization meeting, which was the first since he assumed the ministry, CS Duale said there had been so many gaps in the relaying of information, as well as actioning on what had been agreed upon, insisting there needed to be a swift change to create, not only a bond and synergy between the two levels of Government, but to also give way for the full implementation of the Universal Health Coverage, which to him, is still lagging behind.

The four-hour meeting at the Council of Governors, also seeking to unlock some of the priority areas for CS Duale as he takes over the ministry, and understanding of operations, such as the absorption of Universal Health Coverage staff employed during the Covid-19 era.

CoG Health committee chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki asking the National Government to prioritize the absorption of the UHC staff that have made the streets their home through frequent demonstrations they hold.

According to Governor Njuki, it is unfair that UHC staff continue to suffer under poor pay yet some of their colleagues, employed after the UHC stint are earning better.

However, he insists on their secondment to counties but with proper resources allocation as per the SRC rates.

Consequently, the Council of Governors has resolved to have the National Government channel all payments for the Community Health Promoters through county structures as opposed to two payrolls, one run by the National Government and another by the County Governments.

CoG chair and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdulahi proposing a new headcount for CHPs so as to avoid payment of ghost CHPs, and others who were dropped.

Governor Abdulahi also wants the Government to expeditiously release all resources associated with UHC staff before they are sent to counties, and when seconded to counties, budgetary provisions must be made to take care of their salaries.

CoG vice chair Mutahi Kahiga wants President William Ruto to go slow on frequent changes in Government and give CS Dual an opportunity to acclimatize himself with the ministry and lead in achieving UHC