PIC-SSAA raises alarm over staffing crisis at National Cancer Institute

PIC-SSAA raises alarm over staffing crisis at National Cancer Institute

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. 
𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA), chaired by Navakholo MP Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe, has expressed serious concern over the acute shortage of staff at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K).

This came to light during a session where the Committee met with the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer to examine the Auditor-General’s reports. A key issue raised was the Institute’s inadequate staffing levels, which the Committee noted could be undermining its effectiveness.

According to the Auditor-General’s report, the Institute has an approved staff establishment of 247 positions. However, as of 30 June 2024, only 33 positions had been filled, leaving 214 posts vacant.

“In the circumstances, the inadequate staffing levels may have affected the effectiveness of achieving the Institute's principal activities,” the report states.

In response, the Institute’s management acknowledged the shortfall, attributing it to financial constraints.

“We agree with the auditor’s observation,” the CEO told the Committee. “The Institute carried out the first phase of recruitment in June 2024. However, due to budgetary constraints in the allocation of personnel emoluments by the National Treasury, we were unable to recruit adequate staff. An exemption approval is being sought for the second phase, bearing in mind the government’s austerity measures.”

The CEO further highlighted the challenge of limited funding from the National Treasury, which continues to hinder the full realization of the Institute’s staffing goals. “We are working with the board to progressively build the organization's staffing capacity within the existing financial and administrative constraints,” said the CEO.

On governance matters, the Committee flagged the Institute’s board composition, which currently stands at ten members—exceeding the recommended standard of seven to nine.

“The board composition must align with the established governance framework,” the Committee advised, urging the Institute to seek guidance from the Ministry of Health to regularize its structure.

The Committee also advised the Institute to prioritize the recruitment of lower-level officers to ensure day-to-day operations continue uninterrupted. Additionally, they recommended streamlining procurement and administrative processes to enhance institutional efficiency.

Chairperson Hon. Wangwe concluded by acknowledging the vital role played by the Institute in the fight against cancer.

“You are a very, very vital institute, and that’s why I want to acknowledge you. It will be heavy on all of us. Cancer is a very terrible animal—more terrible than corruption,” Hon. Wangwe remarked.