Over 450 staff working under the USAID Tujenge Jamii (UTJ) project in Nakuru County reportedly lost their jobs effective January 31.

The staff, contracted by the county and funded through UTJ, were ordered to cease work until further notice, according to an internal memo obtained by Mtaa Wangu, signed by the Chief Officer of Public Health Services, Joyce Ncece.

The memo reveals that the suspension is part of a broader review of all USAID awards under the new US foreign aid policy, a process expected to take up to 90 days. The suspended staff have been assured of prompt communication once feedback is received.

“This suspension is a direct result of the new policy changes and will affect all UTJ-supported activities until further notice,” Ncece says in the memo.

As a result, all county-employed healthcare workers have been recalled from leave to cover critical service areas, with all leave approvals temporarily paused for the next 90 days.

Additionally, no new program activities or technical assistance will be initiated until further notice.

Concerns have been raised regarding potential disruptions to essential health services in Nakuru.

Key programs under the UTJ, such as HIV prevention, maternal and child health (RMNCAH), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and nutrition, will be impacted by the suspension.

In a phone interview, Joyce Ncece confirmed the negative impact of the cease-work order, but mentioned that short-term solutions have been implemented to address the situation.

“We’ve developed short-term solutions, such as integrating services like HIV and TB under one roof so that patients can access all services at once. We’ve also started administering longer doses to prevent overlap or patient overload after providing necessary counselling,” Ncece explained.

“Although we are not at a crisis level, we understand that the situation may cause fatigue, especially as other staff members take on the responsibilities of those laid off. We are also holding meetings to discuss long-term strategies,” she adds.

Among the staff affected by the job cuts are Clinicians, Nurses, lab technologists, Health records officers, mentor mothers and fathers, counsellors, and youth coordinators, among others.

Ncece adds that all the healthcare workers in the county have been sensitized and are available to support in any areas that require their attention as well and members of the public are assured that service provision will not be disrupted.

County takes urgent action as 450 staff are recalled from USAID project in Nakuru

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Leleti Jassor