Thousands of unqualified individuals fraudulently listed as healthcare workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme are under investigation, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed, warning that those found culpable will be prosecuted and compelled to refund public funds.

While speaking in Uasin Gishu County, Duale disclosed that the Ministry of Health is nearing the end of a rigorous vetting and verification process to confirm the identities and qualifications of all workers under the UHC scheme.

He said the ongoing exercise, set to be completed next week, aims to ensure that only deserving and professionally trained health workers are absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms.

“The process is in its final stages. Once we complete it, we will proceed to hire those who qualify,” said Duale, adding that Parliament had already allocated funds for the recruitment.

However, he warned against interference, saying some individuals were trying to exert pressure to manipulate the process. “I have the money to hire UHC workers, but no one should try to harass me while the process is still ongoing,” he cautioned.

Duale said preliminary findings had uncovered thousands of irregular hires who have been illegally drawing salaries from the programme.

He noted that some were falsely listed as nurses yet had no professional training, and stressed that all such cases would be submitted to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for further investigation.

“If you are not a qualified nurse but have been earning as one under UHC, prepare to face the law. You will be required to refund public money,” he warned.

He urged those affected not to resort to demonstrations, petition letters or intimidation tactics, saying due process must be followed to clean up the system.

“The real boss in healthcare is the patient. Our priority must be to restore dignity to the people we serve,” he said, reiterating the need to focus on service delivery over personal or institutional interests.

Duale also reminded Kenyans that primary healthcare services offered in all public health facilities below level four remain free and called on citizens not to pay for care at those levels.

He commended President William Ruto’s administration for its commitment to accessible healthcare, pointing out that more than 25 million people have already enrolled under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

According to Duale, the new system guarantees equal access to healthcare for all citizens regardless of economic or social status.