Govt Statement on Absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Staff.

I wish to reaffirm the Government's commitment to strengthening human resources for health as a cornerstone of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and delivering quality health services to all Kenyans.

Following the recently concluded joint headcount exercise undertaken by the State Department for Medical Services in collaboration with the Council of Governors (CoG), verification of UHC staff is now substantially complete. 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.

Consequently, the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorized 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. Such 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.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Council of Governors, PSC, and other stakeholders, remains steadfast in its resolve 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.

DbD HON. ADEN DUALE, EGH
CABINET SECRETARY