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Tag: UHC workers

  • Over 7,000 UHC workers to be absorbed from next month

    Over 7,000 UHC workers to be absorbed from next month

    A total of 7,414 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers are set to be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms effective September 2025.

    This follows a nationwide joint headcount exercise conducted by the State Department for Medical Services in collaboration with the Council of Governors (CoG).

    Addressing a presser on Monday afternoon, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale disclosed that in total, 7,629 medics were verified. However, 215 individuals who failed to present themselves were subsequently identified as either ghost workers or unqualified and their salaries stopped, pending further investigations.

    “Out of the 7,629 staff verified, 215 did not present themselves, having been identified as either non-existent (ghost workers) or not qualified health professionals and their salaries have been stopped and they have been removed from the payroll pending further investigations to prosecute, determine and recover the irregular payment.”, he stated.

    He added that the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorised into two groups, namely those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues.

    “Consequently, the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorised into two groups: those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues. Staff in active service will be formally transitioned and absorbed with effect from September 2025. UHC Staff members absent from duty or having disciplinary issues, will not be absorbed,” he announced.

    He explained that the cases will be reviewed in consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC), in line with PSC Regulations 2020 on Human Resource, which provides for separation, removal from the payroll, and other disciplinary measures.

    He pledged to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the absorption process while safeguarding the rights of eligible officers.

    “This process underscores the unwavering commitment to reforms in the health sector, efficient management of public resources, and realization of the Government’s pledge to achieve Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans”, he added.

    The medics recently went on strike to demand permanent employment.

  • Standoff as governors reject UHC staff take over

    Standoff as governors reject UHC staff take over

    A standoff is in the offing between the national and county governments over the fate of 20,000 UHC workers currently working under the national government.

    The Council of Governors say it will not absorb the UHC workers in the county payroll, citing insufficient funding, discriminatory job terms, and a lack of clarity from the national government.

    CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi says counties will reject the transition unless their conditions are met, adding that they have not officially received the UHC payroll, and won’t accept it unless it comes with the money to cover salaries.

    The healthcare workers employed on contract under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme have been protesting, demanding immediate absorption into permanent and pensionable terms and payment of long-promised gratuity.

    The national government has since moved the UHC staff payroll to county governments from July 1.

    According to the governors who addressed a press conference after a 5-hour full council meeting at their headquarters in Westlands, the question of transferring the UHC staff to counties is being mishandled and should be treated with the importance it requires.

    CoG Health Committee chairperson Muthomi Njuki has asked the Ministry of Health to deal with the matter exhaustively to ensure their transition is seamless.

    “Counties should not be dragged into a simmering tussle until (national government) conclusively deals with what is at hand”, he said.

    At the same time, the governors also faulted the contents of the Division of Revenue Bill 2025, arguing the proposed equitable share allocation of Ksh 405 billion was below the recommended figure of Ksh 536 billion.

    The Governors further claim the current allocation ignores critical non-discretionary costs and the burden of newly devolved responsibilities, violating the constitutional principle that resources must follow functions.

    They’re now demanding an urgent meeting with National Treasury and the President, warning that continued underfunding puts the entire devolved system at risk.

    County governments are currently owed nearly Ksh 74.98 billion in delayed disbursements.

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has maintained that the Ministry of Health does not have enough money to absorb the Universal Health Coverage workers.

     

     

  • Duale vows to resolve UHC workers’ employment issues within three weeks

    Duale vows to resolve UHC workers’ employment issues within three weeks

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has pledged to address long-standing employment concerns affecting healthcare workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program within the next three weeks.

    Speaking at Afya House to hundreds of UHC workers, Duale assured them of his dedication to resolving key issues, including the settlement of gratuity and the transition of those with over five years of service to Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) terms.

    He emphasised fairness and equity in addressing health sector concerns, promising consultative solutions that prioritise the welfare of healthcare professionals.

    The CS further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system while cracking down on unqualified practitioners in the sector.

    On Tuesday, hundreds of healthcare workers  employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program staged a sit-in at the Ministry of Health offices (Afya House), demanding transition to permanent and pensionable terms, as well as the full payment of their five-year gratuity.

    The workers were hired under the UHC pilot program initiated in 2018, which was later expanded nationwide.

    Despite the CS’s assurance, the workers are yet to call off their strike, which began on March 7, 2025, disrupting healthcare services in several counties as hospitals grapple with staffing shortages.

  • UHC workers stage sit-in at Afya House, demand better employment terms

    UHC workers stage sit-in at Afya House, demand better employment terms

    Hundreds of healthcare workers employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program staged a sit-in at the Ministry of Health offices (Afya House), demanding transition to permanent and pensionable terms, as well as the full payment of their five-year gratuity.

    The workers were hired under the UHC pilot program initiated in 2018, which was later expanded nationwide.

    However, the workers say despite their role in strengthening primary healthcare, they remain on contractual terms.

    The workers argue that without job security the sustainability of UHC remains uncertain.

    https://x.com/KBCChannel1/status/1906978271348031634

    The strike, which began on March 7, 2025, has now entered its 26th day, disrupting healthcare services in several counties as hospitals face staffing shortage.