First Batch of Cuban Doctors Land in Kenya Amid Controversy Over their Salaries

The first batch of Cuban doctors are set to arrive in the country on Tuesday amid controversy surrounding their huge salaries.

The specialists will land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of their orientation on June 11th. The Ministry of Health said the remaining lot will arrive in the country on Thursday this week.

After their orientation, the medics will be booked at the Government School of Science for one month for induction before they are distributed to the 47 counties.

The 100 Cuban specialists include three radiologists, five nephrologists, orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and neurologists.

However, Kenyan doctors have expressed disappointment with the decision to hire the Cubans, but the government insists the specialists from the Caribbean nation will build capacity in Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals across the country.

The lot will be paid based on the civil service Job group S, where the least paid will receive Sh390,270 while the highest will pocket a total of Sh450,660 a month.

The amount includes a basic salary of Sh.120,270 for the lowest paid and Sh180,660 for the highest paid. It also include a house allowance of Sh60,000, emergency call of Sh.80,000, Sh20,000 commuter allowance, Sh.60,000 non practice, Sh20,000 risk allowance, Sh30,000 extraneous allowance and a Sh.10,000 leave allowance all payable once a year.

Other benefits to be enjoyed by the doctors in the next two years include; furnished apartments, security, transport and a monthly salary.