Civilian medical consultants working in military hospitals across Kenya on Thursday gathered at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi Garrison for a one-day conference aimed at improving healthcare delivery within Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The conference, organized by the Department of Human Resource Management and Development led by Dr Lilian Nzavi is part of sustained efforts by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to enhance delivery of quality healthcare for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and their dependants.
In his opening remarks, KDF’s Director for Medical Services (DMS) Major General (Dr) George Nganga said the conference was an opportunity for the consultants and MOD to discuss issues that would help enhance service delivery across all KDF hospitals in the country.
“This conference provides a platform for you to raise key concerns that will help the Ministry of Defence enhance service delivery,” Major General (Dr) Ng’ang’a told the 66 medical consultants.
In a speech read by MOD’s Director for Administration Benjamin Odegi, Principal Secretary for Defence Dr Patrick Mariru rallied the senior medical officials to engage freely, noting that the conference was part of efforts to integrate the cadre into MOD’s institutional culture.
“This seminar aims to integrate medical professionals into the Ministry’s operational systems and institutional culture while aligning their roles with the broader strategic objectives of national defence.
“It also serves as a platform to recognize and reinforce the critical role of military health professionals in safeguarding national security,” Dr Mariru underscored.
The Principal Secretary urged the medical consultants to acquaint themselves with the National Values and Principles of Governance as outlined in Article 10 as well as the Values and Principles of Public Service under Article 232 of the Constitution of Kenya.
“A deep-rooted commitment to these values alongside a clear understanding of the MOD mission will be vital in advancing excellence in service delivery,” Dr Mariru emphasized.
He acknowledged the fast-changing medical landscape saying MOD was in the process of securing additional exchequer funds for professional development training courses.
“I urge all participants to pursue further training while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery,” the Principal Secretary said, adding that the Public Service Commission had approved career progression guidelines for the cadre.
On personal safety and employee wellbeing, Dr Mariru assured the participants that MOD will continue to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across all units.
“This remains a top priority for the Ministry, ensuring that our medical teams can operate safely and effectively, even under challenging conditions,” he affirmed.
The conference participants were taken through the draft defence civilian policy, currently undergoing public participation and were engaged in a question and answer session covering a wide array of welfare, operational and strategic subjects.
Other senior MOD and KDF officials at the conference included Director of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) Brig Joyce Sitienei, Chief of Medical Services at DHQ Brig (Dr) Muithya Ngundo, Director of Public Communication Temesi Mukani, Head of Defence Research Mr Frankline Mabeya and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) from across all KDF regions.
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