By Michelle Ndaga
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the absorption of staff under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program will formally begin in September 2025, following the completion of a nationwide verification exercise.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale stated that the joint headcount, conducted by the State Department for Medical Services in collaboration with the Council of Governors (COG), verified a total of 7,629 UHC staff.
Of these, 215 individuals were found either to be non-existent “ghost workers” or not qualified as health professionals. Their salaries have been stopped, and they have been removed from the payroll pending further investigations to prosecute, determine, and recover irregular payments.
The remaining 7,414 staff will be categorized into two groups: those in active service, who will be formally absorbed, and those with pending disciplinary issues, who will not be absorbed until their cases are resolved.
Disciplinary cases will be reviewed in consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC) in accordance with PSC Regulations 2020, which allow for separation, removal from payroll, and other measures.
CS Duale emphasized that the process aims to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency while safeguarding the rights of eligible staff.
