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

Environmental 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 epidemiological transition and still grapples with preventable diseases. Training opportunities and promotion are key motivators 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 determining frequency of promotions and availability of training opportunities for environmental 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 diploma holders in terms of the period of promotion. More training opportunities should be availed to enable the certificate holders progress to the diploma stage and be eligible for promotion. These may include scholarships, distance learning and professional bridging exams. Promotions should be regular and commensurate with one’s qualifications.