Influence of talent management practices on service delivery of doctors in Nairobi, Kenya: A descriptive research study

Abstract Background : A reliable and dedicated health workforce is instrumental in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three on health. This is even more appropriate for Kenya where there is a dire shortage of health workers, and where health workforce management has been devolved to county governments. This study focusses on the influence of talent management practices (attraction, training and development, and retention) on doctor’s service delivery in four county hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Method : The study through a descriptive research design used quantitative questionnaires to gather data from 108 doctor respondents from four County Hospitals (Mbagathi, Mama Lucy Kibaki, Pumwani Maternity, and Mutuini Hospitals) in Nairobi, Kenya. Inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results : Findings show that there is a positive correlation between attraction, training and development and service delivery of doctors. Employee retention, however, did not have an association with service delivery. Conclusions : As Kenya adjusts to a devolved system of governance in relation to health, it is important that the attraction, training and development, as well as retention of doctors is given serious consideration if service delivery is to be improved.