By Kelly Were
Nairobi, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale chaired a crucial meeting today with the Council of Governors (CoG) and health sector unions, led by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), to discuss the transition of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff to permanent and pensionable positions.
The meeting followed concerns raised by UHC staff in April 2025 and focused on improving their employment terms and addressing the payment of service gratuity for those on contract.
Hon. Duale revealed that starting July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Health will transfer payroll management of UHC staff to County Governments. This will include additional funding to ensure staff continue receiving current stipends during the transition. Before current contracts expire, County Governments will also get funds to absorb UHC staff into permanent positions.
Service gratuity for contract staff will be considered once the absorption process is complete.
Hon. Duale stressed the importance of UHC staff in achieving the government’s goal of providing affordable healthcare through the Taifa Care Model. He reiterated that strengthening the health workforce is a key part of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We value the work of UHC staff in delivering healthcare and are committed to improving their terms,” said Hon. Duale.
Union leaders, including Seth Panyako of KNUN, expressed confidence in the Ministry’s plans and praised the government’s efforts to address healthcare workers’ concerns.
The changes are expected to enhance job security and service delivery, ensuring skilled health workers remain in the sector. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, County Governments, and unions will be vital for a smooth transition and the success of Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.
