Training Opportunities for Environmental Health Staff in Kenya: Too Few?

Abstract

Environ mental health officers play a key role in the delivery of preventive and promotive health services in Kenya. This is important given that Kenya is yet to make an epidemio logical transition and still grapples with preventable diseases. Training opportunities and promotion are key mot ivators for this cadre of health workers. An analysis of the January 2007 environmental health staff returns for two districts was done with a view of determin ing frequency of promotions and availability of train ing opportunities for environ mental health staff. Further details and clarifications were provided by the officer in charge of making staff returns. Only 18.4 % of staff who entered at the certificate level had managed to progress to the diploma level. On the contrary, 83% of those who entered at diploma managed to progress to the higher diploma stage. The mean period of promotion was 7.3 years. There was little difference between certificate and diplo ma holders in terms o f the period of p ro motion. More train ing opportunities should be availed to enable the certificate holders progress to the diplo ma stage and be elig ible for pro motion. These may include scholarships, distance learning and professional bridging exams. Pro motions should be regular and commensurate with one's qualificat ions.