By Aoma Keziah,
The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) and the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) have raised alarm over what they describe as the “unprofessional and unprocedural” formation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), criticizing the Ministry of Health, the Public Service Commission, and the Head of Public Service for sidelining key stakeholders in the process.
According to the unions, the establishment of KNPHI has been fast-tracked without engaging implementing stakeholders such as public health officers and laboratory technologists.
“This move disregards constitutional provisions specifically Articles 10(2), 118, and 196 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 as well as various human resource policies, the Employment Act, the Public Service Commission Act, and the Labour Relations Act,” stated Brown Olaly Ashira, Secretary General & CEO,Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU).
The unions referenced a directive dated April 22, 2025 (Ref: MOH/CS/OL.11/76) issued by the Ministry of Health, instructing the transitioning of certain public health and laboratory functions to the newly formed KNPHI. They argue that this directive was issued without a proper legal framework, validated human resource instruments, or clear protections for their members’ job security and benefits.
“We believe that the establishment of any government policy must not only comply with the law but must also safeguard the future by involving all implementing stakeholders,” added Ashira.
KEHPHPU and KNUMLO particularly questioned the hurried formation of the KNPHI leadership, which they claim is heavily skewed toward clinical cadres at the expense of public health and laboratory professionals.
“ We demand that both the Director-General and board members of the institute reflect a balanced representation, with leadership drawn from among public health officers and laboratory technologists registered with the relevant regulatory bodies,” said Nicholas Odipo National Chairperson Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers.
On service delivery, the unions insisted that KNPHI must develop and validate clear human resource instruments in consultation with all stakeholders before any operationalization.
“We strongly opposed the transitioning of staff and assets to the institute without proper advertising of positions and a clear, independent budgetary allocation from Parliament and all critical divisions must be led by cadre-specific professionals,” Odipo emphasized.
They warned that unless their demands are addressed within seven days, they will mobilize their members for mass action, including street protests, and will seek legal redress.
They concluded that they remain available for amicable engagement but also prepared to escalate this matter to protect the rights and welfare of our members .
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