Ministry of Health Statement on UHC Staff Protests
Ministry of Health Statement on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Staff Protests
The Ministry of Health recognizes and appreciates healthcare unions' pivotal role in advocating for healthcare workers' rights and welfare, strengthening professional standards, and enhancing service delivery in the health sector. We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders to uphold the integrity and sustainability of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.
In alignment with our mandate, the Ministry continues to focus on national referral health facilities, health policy formulation, standard-setting, capacity building, and technical assistance to county governments. Meanwhile, County Governments remain responsible for County Health Services, as outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya.
As part of ongoing consultations, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Council of Governors, convened key engagements, including a meeting on 14th April 2025, co-chaired by the Chair of the Council of Governors, H.E. Governor Ahmed Abdullahi.
Further to this, on 6th May 2025, a consultative meeting was held between the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, healthcare worker unions, and UHC representatives to deliberate on matters affecting UHC staff. Union leaders present in this meeting included:
- Seth Panyako – Secretary General, Kenya National Union of Nurses
- George Gibore – Secretary General, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers
- Mohamed Duba – Chair, Kenya Health Professionals Society
- Brown Ashira – Secretary General, Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union
- Odipo Nicholas – National Chairman, Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers
Following these engagements, the Ministry wishes to inform Kenyans, healthcare worker unions, and stakeholders of the agreements reached:
Transition to County Governments: Effective 1st July 2025, UHC staff will be transferred to County Governments.
Payroll and Budget Transfer: By 1st July 2025, the management of UHC staff payrolls and associated budgets will be transferred to County Governments.
Contract Duration: UHC staff contracts, as agreed between individual staff and County Governments, will remain valid until May 2026, as per the signed agreements.
Budgetary Provisions for Permanent Terms: The transition of UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms of employment will be incorporated into the Financial Year 2026/27 budget upon contract expiry.
Gratuity Considerations: Gratuity for UHC staff will be processed upon contract expiry, following guidance from the Public Service Commission.
The Ministry urges the Council of Governors to expedite the submission of verified UHC staff returns to facilitate the preparation of the May 2025 payroll.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to the success of Universal Health Coverage and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of UHC staff in delivering essential health services across the country. We will continue to foster collaborative solutions to uphold their welfare and ensure seamless healthcare service delivery for all Kenyans.
HON. ADEN DUALE, EGH
CABINET SECRETARY