More than 650 health workers in Kirinyaga County will be receiving promotions as from August after the County Government allocated Sh50.5 million in the 2026/2027 Budget to support the exercise.
The promotions will benefit employees who have remained in the same job groups since 2016 despite meeting the qualifications required for career progression. County officials say the move is expected to improve staff morale, enhance retention of skilled personnel and strengthen healthcare service delivery in public health facilities.
The announcement was made by the Chief Officer for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, Dr. Muriithi Nyaga, while appearing before the Kirinyaga County Assembly Health and Sanitation Committee, chaired by Nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Bernard Gichangi.
Dr. Nyaga described the exercise as one of the most comprehensive staff promotion programmes undertaken by the Department of Health and Public Sanitation in recent years, saying it reflects the County government’s commitment to investing in its health workforce.
He said a motivated and professionally supported workforce, is essential to delivering accessible, efficient and quality healthcare services to residents.
“The promotions will boost employee morale, improve retention of skilled personnel and enhance service delivery across our health facilities,” Dr. Nyaga said.
The exercise covers a wide range of health professionals and support staff, including 133 nurses, 17 medical doctors, 52 clinical officers, 65 laboratory personnel, 20 pharmaceutical technologists, 58 public health officers, 29 health records and information officers, six dental technologists, 10 physiotherapy staff, 157 support staff and 23 drivers serving under the Department of Health and Public Sanitation.
In addition to the promotions, 42 officers will be redesignated to positions that correspond with their academic qualifications, professional expertise and expanded responsibilities.
Dr. Nyaga said the redesignation exercise will enable the county to fully utilize the skills of its workforce while providing employees with a fair and structured career progression path.
He added that successful officers will assume their new job groups from August, with salary adjustments backdated to July 2026 following approval of the allocation in the county budget.
The Chief Officer noted that investing in healthcare workers is key to improving efficiency in health facilities and ensuring residents receive timely and quality medical services.
Health and Sanitation Committee Chair Bernard Gichangi welcomed the promotions but called for transparency and fairness in implementing the exercise.
He directed the department to submit a list of officers earmarked for promotion together with the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries.
“We want the Department to provide a clear promotion criterion to ensure the exercise is transparent, accountable and fair to all eligible officers,” Gichangi said.
The Committee also urged the County Public Service Board, to consider converting 760 contract health workers to permanent and pensionable terms, saying the move would enhance job security and strengthen the County’s health workforce without imposing significant additional financial pressure.
Gichangi further appealed to the Department to introduce pre-retirement training programmes for casual workers approaching retirement to equip them with financial management and social skills for life after employment.
Acting Assistant Director for Human Resource Development Moses Murimi said the promotions would motivate staff, improve productivity and ultimately translate into better healthcare services for Kirinyaga residents.
He said recognizing and rewarding dedicated health workers is essential to building an efficient and responsive health system capable of meeting the county’s growing healthcare needs.
By David Wandeto
