Busia County Faces Backlash Over Delayed Health Staff Recruitment
Busia County is under public scrutiny following complaints about prolonged delays in health sector recruitment. Despite advertising health job openings in August 2023 and completing interviews by mid-March 2024, the county has yet to issue appointment letters to successful candidates. Residents and applicants have expressed concern that the delay is undermining efforts to strengthen a health system already struggling with staff shortages and service delivery challenges.
Sources familiar with the matter say that while over 25 counties across Kenya have completed similar recruitment processes and integrated new health workers into their systems, Busia has remained stagnant. The county’s health facilities continue to grapple with understaffing, long patient queues, and strained resources, leaving many to question whether the leadership is prioritizing the welfare of its residents. Applicants have also decried the lack of communication from county officials regarding the reasons behind the delay.
The situation has triggered growing frustration among residents and civil society actors, who accuse county officials of inefficiency and possible mismanagement. Some have called on national oversight bodies to intervene and ensure that the recruitment process is finalized without further delay. Community members emphasize that timely staffing is critical not only for improved health service delivery but also for restoring public trust in Busia County’s governance.