The government has announced the transfer of payroll responsibilities for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff to county governments, effective July 1, 2025.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting involving the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, and representatives from key medical unions including the Kenya National Union of Nurses & Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, and the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union.
Chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, EGH, the meeting produced several resolutions aimed at stabilising the employment terms for thousands of UHC workers across the country.
Key Resolutions on UHC
Counties will take over the UHC payroll from the Ministry of Health, including responsibility for current stipends.
Additionally, funding will be disbursed to counties before current UHC contracts expire, paving the way for workers to be fully absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Ruto Banks on 4 Doctors to Drive Kenya’s Health Agenda
Service gratuities will be considered once the transition to permanent employment is complete.
“All UHC staff currently off-duty have been directed to resume work immediately and no later than May 7, 2025,” part of the statement read.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services, and Mary Mwiti, CEO of the Council of Governors, signed off on the resolutions.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to entrench Universal Health Coverage, a key pillar of Kenya’s healthcare reform agenda.
Inspection of Healthcare Facilities
Earlier on Wednesday, April 23, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale had directed a nationwide inspection of all hospitals and clinics.
CS issued a stern warning to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) against the licensing of unqualified and non-compliant medical facilities.
Ministry of Health Reveals Posting Dates for Medical Interns
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Clinical Officers Council (COC), led by Chairperson Prof. Samuel Kang’ethe, on Wednesday, April 23.
“To reinforce accountability, the CS instructed the Council to undertake a comprehensive re-inspection of all licensed health facilities and submit detailed reports to the Ministry,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
