Duale Warns: Unqualified Health Workers Face Jail, Salary Refund & Deregistration

Duale Orders Crackdown on Unqualified Health Workers, Announces Mpox Awareness Campaign

Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has issued a stern warning to unqualified health workers employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, saying they will face arrest, deregistration, and prosecution.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu, Duale said a government-led verification exercise has uncovered thousands of individuals working in the health sector without proper qualifications or documentation. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate fraudulent employment practices that compromise service delivery in public health facilities.

“Thousands of UHC workers will be jailed. They are not qualified to be in government employment and are blocking opportunities for trained professionals,” Duale declared.

The CS added that those found to have secured their positions through falsified credentials or other fraudulent means will be removed from the health register. They will also be compelled to refund the salaries they have earned from the government since their irregular hiring.

According to Duale, the malpractice has denied many trained and competent health professionals the opportunity to serve, thereby undermining the effectiveness of the UHC program, which aims to provide affordable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans.

To address the shortage of qualified personnel, the Health CS announced that in two weeks, the government will commence the recruitment of legitimate, trained, and certified health workers. He said the new hiring drive will strictly vet all applicants to ensure only eligible candidates are considered for employment.

Duale also put institutions on notice, warning them against facilitating the hiring of students who have not yet graduated. He accused some training institutions and hospital administrators of colluding to employ unqualified personnel in exchange for bribes.

“We will take stern action against institutions that enable unqualified individuals to get jobs before graduation, often through bribery,” Duale said, adding that such practices compromise the health sector’s integrity and endanger patients’ lives.

In addition to addressing the issue of unqualified workers, Duale revealed that the government is stepping up public health vigilance following the confirmation of a Mpox (formerly monkeypox) case in Uasin Gishu County.

“We have confirmed one incident of Mpox in Uasin Gishu, and as a precaution, the government will commence public awareness and sensitization efforts to prevent further spread,” he stated.

The nationwide Mpox sensitization campaign will focus on educating the public about symptoms, transmission, and prevention measures. Health officials will also be trained to detect and respond swiftly to potential cases to avoid an outbreak.

Duale reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only qualified personnel serve in the sector and that emerging health threats are addressed promptly. He urged Kenyans to support the verification and recruitment efforts, stressing that the health and safety of citizens depend on the competence and professionalism of the country’s health workforce.