CS Duale schedules meeting with SHA leadership over recruitment concerns
By Cy Muganda, January 24, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced plans to hold a consultative meeting with the Social Health Authority (SHA) leadership to address public concerns over recent recruitment exercises that have sparked debate about regional representation.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Duale emphasised that public service appointments must adhere to constitutional requirements of merit, competence, and fair representation across all communities.
“The Ministry of Health adheres to strict oversight of appointments in line with constitutional and statutory requirements. Public service appointments and promotions are guided by merit, competence, qualifications and fair competition, while upholding values of equity, inclusiveness, transparency and non‑discrimination,” Duale stated.
Meeting with SHA leadership
The CS confirmed he will convene a meeting with SHA’s board and management to review the recruitment process and ensure compliance with constitutional standards.
“We will hold a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Social Health Authority (SHA) to address employment concerns and ensure all processes meet these standards,” he stated.
Speaking in a video accompanying his statement, Duale acknowledged the public outcry while defending the need to address historical imbalances in public service employment.
“Every Kenyan will be given an opportunity by the social health authority based on their competence and qualification,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that all employment processes must align with Article 232 of the Constitution, the Public Service Values and Principles Act, and Public Service Commission guidelines.
“In accordance with Article 232 of the Constitution, the Public Service Values and Principles Act, and Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines, employment is based solely on merit and qualifications, with no room for bias, including tribal considerations, ensuring representation and fairness for all Kenyans,” he stated.
Addressing historical injustices
Duale defended the recruitment outcomes by referencing documented regional imbalances in public service employment.
“In employing these Kenyans, article ten, and the public service guidelines will be considered to make sure all regions, all communities, all religions, and all genders are given equal opportunity. And we must correct historical injustices,” he said.
“And those historical injustices are not me saying it. It is in the public service audit. It is a public service commission audit. It is in a national cohesion and integration report that over the years, there was an imbalance in the public service sector,” Duale added.
The CS took full responsibility for addressing the concerns while clarifying that he does not interfere with the operational recruitment processes of health institutions.
“I don’t interfere with how SHA recruits, how Kenyatta Hospital recruits. They have got boards, they have got management. But the concerns of Kenyans will be addressed. And as a minister, the buck stops with me,” he stated.
“Tomorrow, Monday, I will call both the board and I will call the management of the social health authority to take me through. And I am sure I have confidence in the entire leadership of the social health authority,” Duale concluded.