All UHC staff directed to resume work by May 7 under new payroll deal
The resolution also addressed the future of the health workers currently employed under the program.
All health workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program have been directed to return to duty by May 7, 2025, following a new agreement that will see their payroll managed by county governments starting July.
The Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, and leaders of health unions reached the decision after a consultative meeting held under the leadership of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
During the meeting on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed that counties will take over the payroll management for UHC staff effective July 1, 2025.
In the interim, the government will allocate the necessary budget to ensure the continued payment of monthly stipends under the existing terms.
The resolution also addressed the future of the health workers currently employed under the program.
Counties will receive additional funds before the current UHC contracts end to enable the full absorption of the staff into permanent and pensionable positions.
"County Governments will be provided with additional funds before the expiry of the current UHC contracts for purposes of full absorption to permanent and pensionable terms," the joint resolution stated.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, Kenya National Union of Clinical Officers, Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, and the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a decision to consider service gratuity for UHC staff.
However, this will only be implemented after the full absorption of workers into the counties’ permanent workforce.
"Service gratuity payments will be considered upon conclusion of absorption of the UHC staff," read part of the statement.
The Ministry of Health also announced that all UHC staff who are currently not on duty must report back to work immediately and not later than May 7, 2025.
This directive is meant to ensure continuity in the delivery of health services across the country as the transition process unfolds.
"All UHC staff currently out of duty to resume work with immediate effect and not later than May 7, 2025," the agreement directed.
The resolutions were signed by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Medical Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, and Mary Mwiti, Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Governors