The transition to permanent and pensionable terms for UHC personnel will be incorporated into the 2026/2027 Financial Year budget upon contract expiry, the Ministry of Health has said.
In a press statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale outlined the transition plan, which includes the transfer of UHC payrolls and associated budgets to county administrations by the same date.
“UHC staff contracts, as agreed between individual staff and county governments, will remain valid until May 2026 as per the signed agreements,” Duale confirmed.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers will officially transition to the management of county governments starting July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Health has announced.
Additionally, gratuity for UHC staff will be processed at the end of their contracts, in accordance with guidelines from the Public Service Commission.
Duale emphasised the Ministry’s recognition of healthcare unions’ critical role in safeguarding workers’ rights, maintaining professional standards, and enhancing service delivery within the health sector.
“We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders to uphold the integrity and sustainability of Universal Health Coverage in Kenya,” he stated.
The Ministry reiterated its focus on national referral health facilities, health policy formulation, standard-setting, capacity building, and technical assistance to counties. County governments, in turn, retain responsibility for county health services, as stipulated in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya.
As part of the transition process, the Ministry has engaged in a series of consultations with stakeholders. Notably, a key meeting was held on April 14, 2025, co-chaired by the Council of Governors Chairperson, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi. A follow-up meeting on May 6 brought together Ministry officials, the Council of Governors, healthcare unions, and UHC representatives to address concerns affecting UHC staff.
Union leaders in attendance included Seth Panyako (Kenya National Union of Nurses), George Gibore (Kenya Union of Clinical Officers), Mohamed Duba (Kenya Health Professionals Society), Brown Ashira (Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union), Odipo Nicholas (Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers), Kennedy Inyagu (Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians), and Asae Naempu (Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists).
The Ministry called on the Council of Governors to expedite the submission of verified UHC staff data to ensure timely preparation of the May 2025 payroll.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to the success of UHC and appreciates the invaluable contributions of UHC staff in delivering essential health services across the country,” said Duale.
“We will continue working collaboratively to safeguard their welfare and ensure seamless healthcare delivery for all Kenyans.”
