Brain Drain in the Public Health Sector in Kenya:a Case of Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Kenya loses, on a daily basis, her best academicians, scientists, doctors, nurses, accountants, and other sought after professionals, through brain drain, into other richer countries. The question is: Why? The impact of the problem is detrimental to the development of the African continent. It also seems to be a continuous issue without any trend of ceasing. This study explores causes of brain drain in the public health sector in Kenya. In particular, this study aims at establishing the factors influencing brain drain at the Kenyatta National Hospital and ultimately pinpoint possible solutions to stem brain drain. It will also elaborate on some already identified possible solutions to the problem. Trained human resources are fundamental for well-functioning health systems, and the lack of health workers undermines public sector capacity to meet population health needs. Existing research on human capital migration in the public sector in Kenya has focused on documenting the number of healthcare professionals migrating to developed countries, other have focused on effects of brain drain. This study focused on causes of brain drain in the public health sector in Kenya. The objective of this study was to establish the factors that influence brain drain at the Kenyatta National Hospital and to recommend possible solutions to curb brain drain. This study documents the factors that contribute to brain drain among health professionals in Kenya. This is descriptive study, which is based on conceptual analysis, literature reviewing, and theory building. The approach was to review relevant literature using electronic search and what other authors have said about the subject, to collect data using an interview guide and to analyze it using content analysis approach The results can then provide a policy framework to advice on how to stem brain at the Kenyatta National Hospital and the public health sector as a whole. The findings of this study that of most of the health professionals desire to migrate. This is due to two factors; home country conditions that push them to leave and the actions and conditions in developed countries that attract them. From the findings of the study, brain drain could pose a serious problem to the management of public health institutions in Kenya. There is therefore need for intensive consultations and consensus building between all stakeholders. In order to stem brain drain, concerted effort need to be put on worker motivation and retention, career planning and job satisfaction programmes. There also is need for the public health sector to keep records of all professionals; this will play a critical role in planning human resource requirement of the health sector in Kenya