This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
On July 7, 2020, the Ministry of Health finally released Sh3.4 billion for allowances and benefits for frontline healthcare workers dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache stated that the funds were voted under the ministry as current grants to State agencies and other levels of government.
County governments will receive Sh2.3 billion for the health workers, with an additional Sh20 million allocated for psychological support.
State corporations, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Kenya Medical Research Institute, will also receive part of the money.
The ministry has allocated Sh500 million for medical cover for 22 county governments not covered in any medical scheme.
Ms Mochache emphasized the importance of taking care of the welfare and psychological needs of frontline healthcare workers.
Earlier, 17 cadres of health professionals had demanded the release of their three-month risk allowance awarded by President Kenyatta in May.
The professionals have also demanded that the risk allowance be harmonised, considering that some are more prone to infections than others.
George Gibore, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers secretary-general, welcomed the release of funds but expressed concerns about the harmonisation of allowances.
He noted that some 230 health workers have been infected with the virus, with clinical officers at 49 per cent, followed by nurses at 33 per cent, laboratory technicians at 17 per cent, and others at one per cent.
