This article discusses how to become a public health officer in Kenya, the qualification, and the expected salary.
A public health officer is responsible for coordinating health care institutions, organizations, and resources to ensure that the health care system adheres to health regulations and safety procedures.
In the military, public health officers conduct health inspections throughout the whole system to build effective medical and public health provisions; in civilian settings, they are responsible for providing the same services. Field observations, interviews with stakeholders in health systems, collection of samples and reports, and analysis of disease vectors are only some of the tasks that a public health officer must do.
Public health officers play an important role in both the planning process and the response to health threats since the public health system can implement public health interventions. This means that PHOs at all levels must be included in the planning process for public health crisis management.
Requirements to join campus
Entry requirements:
A mean grade of C+(plus) in the KCSE or equivalent, C+ (plus)in Biology or Biology sciences and Chemistry, C (plain) in English/Kiswahili, and C (plain) in Mathematics/Physics or equivalent.
The entry requirement varies from one college or university to another; therefore, it is important to visit your college or university of the choice website before applying.
Study Period and Fee Structure
Studying Bachelor of Science in Public Health takes four years (8 semesters) with a tuition fee of 126 000 per year.
Fields of Study
The practice of conducting demonstrations and research to promote health, prevent sickness, and extend people’s lives falls within public health’s purview. The term “public health” refers to both public and private institutions and communities, people, and society as a whole. Multidisciplinary teams of public health experts who act to promote health and quality of life are common in the sector. Public health graduates may pursue a variety of occupations in various areas of the field. Key areas of study include;
Environmental health,
Community health,
Epidemiology,
Global health,
Health policy and management.
How to Be Registered Public Health Officers and Technicians’ Council of Kenya
According to the Public Health Officers (Training, Registration, and Licensing) Act No. 12 of 2013, Laws of Kenya, every public health officer/technician operating in Kenya must be registered and licensed with the Public Health Officers and Technicians Council Kenya.
Requirements for Registration
1. Professionals trained in Kenya
Eligible candidates would be required to take a specified Council National examination after completing training in an authorized institution. Within 30 days of receiving the results, successful applicants must submit a completed Registration and license application form 1A. After completing the registration and licensing process, public health officers/assistants will get a registration certificate and a practicing license.
Website: http://photc.org/registration/#
2. Professionals trained Outside Kenya
Professionals who have received their training outside of Kenya and seek to register with the Council will be asked to present evidence of qualification/competency that meets Kenyan criteria.
The Council may communicate with the training institution to evaluate the applicant’s training. The Registration and Licensing Committee will invite you to an oral interview if the Council is pleased.
You may be asked to take a written test and participate in a practicum placement to familiarize yourself with Kenyan health care systems for a length of time to be chosen based on the results of the oral interview.
After completing the oral interview/written examination/practicum placement, applicants must submit a completed Registration and license application form 1B within 30 days of completion.
After completing the registration and licensing process, public health officers/assistants will get a registration certificate and a practicing license.
Website; http://photc.org/registration/#
Public Health Officers’ salaries in Kenya
Basic Salary Scale: Ksh. 37,070 – Ksh. 49,950.