Ruto affirms plan to employ UHC staff on permanent, pensionable terms

The government will hire Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers, currently on contract terms, on permanent and pensionable terms, President William Ruto has announced.

The President urged counties to support the initiative so that the more than 7,500 workers can begin earning enhanced pay under the new terms this month.

“I want to ask for the cooperation of all our counties so that we do not have a back and forth,” he said.

He explained that the move will strengthen healthcare delivery, noting that medical workers are vital to the success of universal health coverage.

The President made the remarks at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa on Thursday when he issued employment letters to temporary healthcare workers in the county transitioning to permanent and pensionable employment.

He was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, MPs and MCAs.

At the same time, President Ruto called on counties that have not paid Community Health Promoters to ensure they do so by the end of the week.

He said it was regrettable that counties continue to delay workers' stipends despite their support for universal health coverage.

“These are citizens who have families. They are volunteering to support us. We must make that small stipend come in time. It must never delay,” he said.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering universal health coverage and making it a reality for every citizen.

He stressed that healthcare is a right for all, not a privilege for the wealthy.

President Ruto commended Mombasa County for leading in Social Health Authority (SHA) registration at 69 per cent.

He called on other counties to emulate Mombasa and rally citizens to register with the SHA.

“Mombasa County is an example of how universal health coverage is working,” he said.

With Mombasa having received SHA payment of more than Sh1.5 billion, the county is now able to hire more health workers, expand services, and improve healthcare delivery.

The President also pledged to establish a Level VI hospital in the county.