Uasin Gishu: The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with the Council of Governors and Africa Medical Research Foundation (AMREF), has successfully concluded a two-day intensive financial management training for health facility in-charges. This strategic move aims to enhance accountability and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training was designed to equip facility administrators with the critical knowledge and tools needed to manage public funds responsibly, in alignment with the county's newly developed Operational and Financial Procedures Manual. The initiative is a key component of the county's broader agenda to institutionalize a strong financial management framework under the Facilities Improvement Fund (FIF), a policy intended to streamline budgeting, procurement, and expenditure across healthcare facilities to ensure better service delivery.
During the training, County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr. Abraham Serem, emphasized the importance of early budgeting and strict compliance with the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act. He stated that proper planning and financial discipline are non-negotiable for those working in health facilities. Dr. Serem also announced that, for the first time, level 4 facilities in the county will undergo audits to ensure adherence to financial regulations. He urged health officers to uphold their responsibilities diligently, adding that the Department of Health is committed to delivering quality healthcare through transparency and efficient management.
Dr. Serem called for accountability, directing procurement officers to thoroughly inspect drug consignments delivered by the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. He emphasized the need to verify deliveries against orders to reduce wastage and prevent mismanagement. Highlighting the growing success of the Social Health Authority (SHA), Dr. Serem noted that over 387,000 residents have already registered and encouraged facility heads to further mobilize community members to enroll and access the broad range of healthcare benefits available.
Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Paul Wangwe, praised the training as a landmark step in reforming the health sector. He stated that Uasin Gishu is setting the pace for health sector reforms, ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that essential services reach the people who need them most. The Director for Supply Chain Management, Sarah Siambi, provided a detailed overview of the procurement process from budgeting and tendering to contract award, underscoring the importance of procedural accuracy and compliance at every stage.
The training brought together facility heads from across the county, Sub County Health Management teams, and County Health Management teams.