The Council of Governors on Tuesday met with the Ministry of Health officials to discuss key issues affecting the health sector.
The CoG Health Committee led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga seeks to unlock the stalemate concerning the absorption of UHC staff amid concerns by health unions.
“Key topics discussed were financing for community health services, improving Universal Health Coverage and contracts for UHC personnel, and the Managed Equipment Services initiative,” the ministry said.
Last week, clinicians expressed concern that there were contradictory statements from the ministry and CoG on the terms of employment for the more than 8,550 contracted staff whose fate they said lies in limbo.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers chairperson Peterson Wachira called on the government to come clear on their fate saying the provision as per the law is that three months before the end of such contracts, the affected employees are supposed to be informed on their fate.
“I want to thank the CS because she said they were going to be absorbed and then the county governments contradicted the same and said that they want to put them on contracts,” Wachira said.
While the Health CS Susan Wafula has said the more than 8,550 UHC staff will be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms, the CoG has come out to say they will be hired on a contract basis.
“It was resolved that they be absorbed into a permanent workforce when their contracts expire as the experience and training they have already acquired will continue to support the County’s health systems,” she said.
But the Council of Governors days later called on the national government to provide funds to allow counties to renew the contracts.
