Clinical officers from four counties in the South Rift region have converged in Kericho for a landmark symposium focused on accelerating the implementation of the newly approved Scheme of Service for clinical officers.
The two-day event, organised by the Kenya Clinical Officers Association (KCOA) has drawn participants and health leaders from Kericho, Bomet, Narok, and Kajiado counties.
Speaking at the Sunshine Upper Hill Conference Hall in Kericho, the Secretary General of the Kenya Clinical Officers Association, Joseph Chebii, described the symposium as a defining moment for the clinical officers’ profession.
Chebii noted that the forum marked a critical step toward institutionalising the newly adopted scheme of service, which he said would streamline career progression, enhance professional recognition, and ultimately improve service delivery across the health sector.
“This symposium is not only a platform for scientific knowledge exchange but also a historic opportunity for our members to benefit from structured career growth.
The visible support from county leadership gives us hope that the long-standing stagnation among clinical officers will finally be addressed,” Chebii remarked.
He further noted that the South Rift forum is part of a broader nationwide effort, with similar events scheduled across ten regions to promote capacity building, policy dialogue, and collective advancement of the health sector.
Also present during the event was Kericho County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Dr. David Ekwam, who welcomed the regional symposium, describing it as a timely platform to strengthen healthcare delivery through enhanced support for clinical officers.
“Clinical officers form the backbone of healthcare delivery across all levels of our health system, with their impact most deeply felt in rural and primary care settings. Their extensive training, adaptability, and unwavering commitment make them indispensable to the realisation of our Universal Health Coverage goals,” stated Dr. Ekwam.
In an interview with the Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ekwam affirmed the county government’s commitment to institutionalising a structured and merit-based career progression framework for clinical officers.
He further emphasised that Kericho County will deepen stakeholder engagement, enhance working conditions, invest in continuous professional development, and elevate the overall quality of healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joseph Sitonik, Bomet County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to fully adopting the new scheme.
“Bomet County has already received and reviewed the new career progression guidelines. We are now engaging our Public Service Board and clinical officer leadership to ensure seamless implementation and fair promotional opportunities,” he said.
According to Dr. Sitonik, one of the key priorities is expanding the approved staff establishment to accommodate career growth and specialised roles for clinical officers.
He also confirmed that the county had made strides in promoting eligible officers, regularising contract staff, and facilitating access to further training.
Representing the Kericho County Commissioner, Dr. Kibe Maguta, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Kericho East, commended the association’s leadership and emphasised the need for coordinated support at both levels of government.
“This symposium is a reflection of the whole-of-government approach in strengthening healthcare delivery. Clinical officers are a critical link between communities and health systems. The national government is committed to supporting initiatives that improve their welfare and effectiveness,” said Dr. Maguta.
He lauded the inter-county collaboration witnessed at the event, noting that it would help harmonise standards, address common challenges, and promote equitable healthcare access across the region.
Through this symposium, counties in the South Rift are not only demonstrating unity in adopting the new career structure but are also setting a powerful precedent for collaborative, evidence-based advancement of healthcare personnel.
It is a testament to the spirit of One Health, One Region, a unified approach that strengthens the role of clinical officers as a driving force in achieving Universal Health Coverage.
By Gilbert Mutai and Hillary Kemei
