HIV and AIDS is a public health, socio-economic and developmental challenge that has adversely impacted on various sectors of the economy. It is estimated that approximately 1.6 million Kenyans are living with HIV in the country (KDHS, 2014). The Public Sector has also been affected. This has negatively impacted on the public servants’ productivity which threatens to reverse the socio-economic gains made in the past years.
The Government of Kenya recognizes that a healthy workforce enhances productivity and in acknowledgement of this, the Public Sector Workplace HIV and AIDS Policy was developed in 2005 and revised in May, 2010 to harmonize the response to HIV and AIDS in the Public Sector. The implementation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, however, brought about new governance structures that led to the shift of HIV and AIDS strategy from Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plan (2009/10-2013/14) to Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework (2014/15-2018/19). This necessitated the review of the Public Sector Workplace HIV and AIDS Policy.
The revised Policy provides a framework to address HIV and AIDS in the Public Sector. It focuses on improving productivity, reducing stigma, discrimination and enhancing health outcomes and wellness of public servants living with HIV. It also affirms the commitment of Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies to scale-up a harmonised HIV and AIDS response in the Public Service. The implementation of this Policy will therefore, ensure that Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are able to sustain the provision of quality services despite the challenge of HIV and AIDS.
I call upon Ministries, County Governments, Departments and Agencies to domesticate this Policy and align it to their respective mandates and needs, in order to enable the public service to stay on course in the fight against HIV and AIDS and to remain committed to this course.
Sicily K. Kariuki (Mrs.), E.G.H.,
CABINET SECRETARY,
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, YOUTH AND GENDER AFFAIRS.