Kenya’s President  fires entire cabinet, including Health Cabinet Secretary, amid nationwide protests

KENYA–  The President of Kenya William Ruto has dismissed all his Cabinet Secretaries, including the Health Cabinet Secretary, in response to widespread public protests against the government’s policies.

The decision comes after weeks of nationwide demonstrations, where Kenyans have voiced their discontent with the performance of various government ministries, including the Ministry of Health.

The Kenyan public has been highly critical of the Ministry of Health’s handling of the healthcare system. 

Issues such as frequent drug shortages, poor infrastructure, and inadequate medical personnel in public hospitals have been longstanding concerns. 

The government’s inability to address these challenges has eroded public trust in the ministry. 

Allegations of corruption and misuse of funds within the Ministry of Health have also contributed to the public’s frustration. 

Reports of procurement irregularities, resource embezzlement, and a lack of accountability have further undermined the ministry’s credibility. 

The Kenyan public has also expressed concerns that the Ministry of Health has not adequately prioritized pressing public health issues, such as the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, and the need for improved access to primary healthcare services.

The Kenyan healthcare system has faced challenges due to recurrent doctors’ strikes. For instance, in March 2024, over 4,000 doctors went on strike, demanding better working conditions, higher salaries, and the recruitment of more doctors. 

A labor agreement signed in 2017 still needs to be fully implemented, leading to dissatisfaction among healthcare professionals. 

Many Kenyans also need comprehensive health insurance coverage, with approximately 80% of citizens having no health coverage.

Hospitals, especially in rural areas, suffer from staffing shortages, affecting equitable healthcare access. 

Delays in posting medical interns have impacted service delivery and training programs, while proposals to reduce interns’ salaries by nearly 80% have raised concerns among healthcare professionals. 

The absence of clear staffing standards and norms also affects the quality of care provided in public health facilities.

Furthermore, the Kenyan government has been transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), governed by the Social Health Insurance Act 2023. This change aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to all Kenyans. 

However, implementing this transition has faced challenges, including delays in rolling out the new system and concerns about the readiness of the necessary infrastructure and processes.

In his announcement, President Ruto acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction with the government’s performance and pledged to engage in extensive consultations to form a “broad-based government” that will address the country’s pressing issues. 

The dismissal of the entire Cabinet, including the Health Cabinet Secretary, clearly indicates the President’s intent to significantly change the administration’s governance and public service delivery approach.

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