The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) has obtained interim orders from the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret, Kenya. This development follows a legal challenge involving the County Public Service Board of Elgeyo Marakwet and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet. The union's action concerns the alleged failure to advertise and recruit for the position of Director of Public Health, as well as the replacement of Public Health Officers in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
According to court documents, the matter was brought before Hon. Lady Justice Maureen Onyango on September 30, 2026. The court order, issued on the same date, directs that the status quo be maintained until further notice. The respondents, the County Public Service Board of Elgeyo Marakwet and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, were also ordered to file their responses within 10 days. Failure to comply with the court order may result in penal consequences.
The case, numbered ELRCPET/E025/2026, was filed under a certificate of urgency by KEHPHPU against the County Public Service Board of Elgeyo Marakwet and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet. KEHPHPU Secretary General Brown Asira expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating that the union and Public Health Officers in Elgeyo Marakwet County had successfully petitioned the court over the recruitment issue.
Asira urged members to remain vigilant, adding that further directions would be provided on the matter. He also mentioned plans for a demonstration in Elgeyo Marakwet County to force compliance. The union's actions aim to address concerns over the recruitment process for public health positions in the county.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret will hear the case on October 14, 2026. KEHPHPU's efforts to challenge the recruitment process have garnered attention from various stakeholders. The union's concerns about the replacement of Public Health Officers and the recruitment of a Director of Public Health highlight the complexities of public health staffing in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet and the County Public Service Board have not publicly commented on the matter. However, their responses are expected to be filed with the court within the specified timeframe. The court's decision to maintain the status quo indicates a temporary reprieve for the affected public health officers.
The KEHPHPU's actions reflect the ongoing efforts of the union to advocate for the rights and interests of its members. The case's outcome may have implications for public health recruitment and staffing in Elgeyo Marakwet County and beyond. The union's determination to pursue the matter through legal channels underscores the importance of addressing concerns over public health staffing.
Key points
- The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union has secured interim orders from the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret.
- The court case concerns the alleged failure to advertise and recruit for the position of Director of Public Health and replacement of Public Health Officers in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
- The union plans to hold a demonstration in Elgeyo Marakwet County to force compliance with the court order.
