MPs demand answers as Moi Teaching Hospital sinks into Sh1.8 billion salary debt, diversity row

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is facing a severe financial crisis, struggling with a Sh1.8 billion salary backlog, a Sh1.2 billion shortfall in the current financial year, and Sh444 million in undisbursed grants. The cash crunch has hampered service delivery and raised concerns about staff morale.

During a session with the National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation in Eldoret on Tuesday, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Phillip Kirwa said the financial challenges threatened industrial harmony.

“MTRH has accrued unpaid payroll obligations amounting to Sh1.8 billion as of June 30, 2025, which has negatively affected staff morale. If the financial situation does not improve, we risk a repeat of the industrial unrest experienced last year,” Kirwa said.

He acknowledged recommendations from the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health to increase personnel funding but noted that the Sh444 million grant arrears remain outstanding.

Kirwa further explained that the hospital is grappling with a Sh1.2 billion deficit this financial year (2024/25), coupled with service delivery setbacks caused by obsolete equipment.

Intervene quickly

Trans Nzoia MP Lilian Sioyi urged the Treasury to intervene quickly.

“Hon. Chairman, we need to pick up this matter as a priority and have it addressed immediately. When we undertook a tour yesterday, we were impressed by the operations of the medical facility, but did not imagine these are the challenges you face,” she said.

To ease pressure, MTRH appealed to Parliament for adequate funding that reflects its dual role as both a referral and primary healthcare provider. The hospital also recommended strengthening county and sub-county hospitals in its catchment area to handle routine outpatient cases and reduce congestion.

Committee Chairperson Raphael Wanjala directed that a meeting be convened within a month between the Committee, the Treasury, and MTRH management to find solutions.

The session also examined staffing diversity at the hospital. Referring to a report from the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, Wanjala raised concern over ethnic representation.

“CEO, according to the Committee Report, MTRH has an in-post of 3,535 employees. Only 21 out of the 46 ethnic groups have been employed in MTRH contrary to the provisions of Article 232 (1) (h) and (i) of the Constitution with the majority of the staff from one community namely Kalenjin at 66.62 per cent. What do you have to say about that?”

Historical factors

Kirwa attributed the imbalance to historical factors, noting that Eldoret is predominantly Kalenjin and that most lower-cadre positions—where salaries are relatively low—have traditionally been filled by locals.

He added that MTRH has introduced policy guidelines to ensure appointments, promotions, and training are now conducted competitively and on merit, in line with the Constitution.

Other Topics To Read

• News
• Headlines
• Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
• MTRH
• MTRH Chief Executive Officer Phillip Kirwa
• MTRH financial crisis
• MPs demand answers as Moi Teaching Hospital sinks into Sh1.8 billion salary debt
• diversity row

Some MPs, however, remained unconvinced. Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje argued that even recent recruitments were skewed.

“The law provides that no institution should have more than 30 per cent of one ethnic community. In your recent recruitment, you still recruited more members of staff from the dominant community, continuing to break the law. Going by your recent recruitment, you have no plans to reduce this number,” he said.

West Pokot Women Rep Rael Kaswai cautioned against viewing the Kalenjin as a single homogeneous group, noting that it comprises several sub-tribes. She proposed counties, rather than ethnic groups, as a fairer classification system.

Kirwa also briefed MPs on inclusivity measures for persons with disabilities. He said MTRH had set up a Disability Mainstreaming Committee, procured motorised wheelchairs, and trained 30 staff in sign language to better serve patients and colleagues with disabilities.

Chairperson Wanjala concluded by urging MTRH to urgently address its staffing composition to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions on diversity.