Union demands immediate absorption of Universal Health Coverage workers on permanent terms

The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) has demanded the immediate absorption of all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers into permanent and pensionable terms, as directed by President William Ruto.

Speaking in Nairobi, KEHPHPU Secretary General Brown Ashira Olayi said the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors must comply without delay.

“The Ministry of Health must provide the necessary funds, while the Council of Governors issues permanent and pensionable appointment letters to all UHC workers with immediate effect,” Mr Ashira said.

He added that the government must settle all gratuities owed to the workers in line with their contracts.

“Both levels of government must ensure that these processes are conducted in an open, accountable, and transparent manner,” Mr Ashira said.

Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) Chairman Mr Nicholas Odipo welcomed the directive. He said it was a major relief to health workers who have endured years of uncertainty under contracts.

“This is a victory for UHC workers. We have waited for this moment for long, and we now urge the government to act without delay,” Mr Odipo said.

Mr Ashira called for the publication of a verified staff list to confirm the actual number of workers absorbed. He also demanded clarity on cases of staff facing disciplinary action.

“Details on specific cases, reasons, and due process must be followed to ensure fairness and prevent victimisation,” he said.

The union warned that any failure to comply would leave it with no choice, but to withdraw labour.

“Should this happen, the Union will have no option, but to mobilise and call UHC members back to the streets to demand justice,” Mr Ashira said.

The union also recalled a commitment by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale that verified UHC staff would be absorbed on permanent terms beginning September 2025 (this month).