The Kenyan government has decided to terminate the contracts of Cuban doctors, marking the conclusion of a six-year health agreement between the two nations. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha made the announcement and expressed her confidence in Kenyan health professionals, believing they share the same commitment as their Cuban counterparts.
Nakhumicha stated, “The ministry will not renew the health contract with the Cuban doctors. I believe our own doctors are equally committed to the cause.” While acknowledging the challenges faced by health workers at national and district levels, she emphasized the government’s commitment to improving training, welfare, and various aspects of health worker support.
The Health Cabinet Secretary highlighted the diverse challenges faced by health workers, including training and development, staff welfare, performance management, motivation, safety, and mobility between counties and levels of government. Despite these challenges, Kenyan health workers remain dedicated to serving the population.
Nakhumicha made these remarks during the official opening of a two-day Pre-National Dialogue on Human Resources for Health at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club in Nairobi. This event serves as a precursor to the National Dialogue on Human Resources for Health scheduled for October 18 in Kericho County.
It was stated that the decision to terminate the contracts of Cuban doctors follows calls from lawmakers, governors, and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists’ Union (KPMDU) to end the agreement between Kenya and Cuba. The National Assembly Health Committee, led by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, argued that Cuban health workers have fulfilled their purpose, and their continued presence has disadvantaged Kenyan doctors seeking employment.
The Kenyan government is estimated to have paid approximately Sh625,000 to each of the 120 Cuban doctors working under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program. This amount includes a salary of Sh125,000 and other expenses. In contrast, Kenyan doctors who traveled to Cuba for specialized training have reportedly faced challenging living conditions, according to KPMDU Secretary-General Davji Bhimji Atellah.
Nakhumicha commended lawmakers in the National Assembly and Senate for expediting the consideration of critical bills aimed at transforming the country’s health sector. These bills, including the Social Health Insurance Bill (2023), the Primary Health Care Bill (2023), the Facility Improvement Financing Bill (2023), and the Digital Health Bill (2023), are intended to accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.
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