Counties demand Ksh17B before absorbing UHC staff

The Council of Governors (CoG) has ruled out absorbing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff until the National Government releases funds to cater for salaries and gratuity arrears.

In a statement issued on Monday, CoG Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi accused the Ministry of Health of misleading the public by portraying counties as stumbling blocks to the process.

The governors are demanding Ksh7.7 billion to cover salaries in line with SRC-approved scales and Ksh9.4 billion to clear gratuity arrears for staff on contract.

They also want the ongoing verification of UHC staff completed and validated before the handover.

“Counties are amenable to employing the verified UHC staff once resources are duly provided and previous obligations settled by the National Government,” noted Abdullahi.

The governors also weighed in on growing unrest among health workers, calling on the National Government to release funds to implement return-to-work agreements and avert strikes.

“We call upon the Unions to exercise patience as the Counties resolve these issues and forestall any industrial action that could disrupt county health services.”

The council also faulted the Public Service Commission (PSC) for approving new career guidelines for health workers without consulting counties, warning that the move carries heavy financial implications that must be reflected in the equitable share of revenue.

At the same time, CoG protested the exclusion of county workers from the 2024/25 salary review, saying they require Ksh4.7 billion to harmonise pay with national government staff.

The governors warned that continued unilateral decisions by the National Government risk destabilising health services across the country.