Duale, governors agree on UHC staff absorption in ongoing health reforms
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and county governors have reached a consensus on key health sector reforms, including the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff as the country advances its healthcare transformation agenda.
In a statement posted on his X account on May 23, 2025, Duale announced that the agreement was reached following a consultative meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG), represented by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the CoG Health Committee, alongside CoG CEO Mary Mwiti.
“Held a consultative meeting with the Council of Governors, represented by Governor Muthomi Njuki, Chair of the CoG Health Committee, and CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti,” Duale wrote.
According to the Health CS, the discussions addressed several key intergovernmental issues, such as the smooth rollout of the Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (BRRHS) program and the long-standing matter of integrating UHC staff into permanent positions within county health systems.
“Additionally, we addressed the intergovernmental issues such as UHC staff absorption and BRRHS rollout,” Duale noted.
The meeting also focused on the advancement of Universal Health Coverage implementation, the transition from the Medical Equipment Service (MES) to the new National Equipment Service Program (NESP), and the overall improvement of healthcare delivery.
“We advanced the conversation on key health priorities, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (BRRHS) programme, and the transition of the Medical Equipment Service (MES) to the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP),” Duale explained.
Duale noted that both levels of government had reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative reform efforts aimed at improving health service delivery across the country.
“Both levels of government reaffirmed their commitment to joint reform efforts to strengthen healthcare and improve service delivery nationwide,” he concluded.
UHC staff standoff
The consensus comes amid mounting pressure from healthcare unions, including the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), over delayed staff absorption and non-payment of agreed benefits.
On May 13, 2025, KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako, in a statement, warned of a nationwide strike if the government failed to honour the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and absorb UHC workers on permanent and pensionable terms.
He criticised what he called the government’s reluctance to prioritise frontline health workers, particularly nurses, despite their central role in service delivery.
Panyako claimed that only Ksh3.5 billion is needed to ensure UHC staff are absorbed on permanent terms, urging President William Ruto to reallocate the funds from the State House budget.
“If the President truly cares about this country, let him cut Ksh3.5 billion from the State House budget and use it to absorb the UHC staff. That’s all we are asking. Let these nurses be given permanent and pensionable terms like all other government workers,” he stated.
Dialogue with unions
In response, Duale convened a separate meeting with health workers’ unions at Afya House on the same day to address their concerns and prevent disruption of services.
The Ministry of Health confirmed in a statement that the CS committed to fully implement all previously reached agreements with the unions.
“The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers and reiterated his earlier pledge to fully implement agreements reached with unions representing UHC staff,” the Ministry stated.
Duale also highlighted the importance of dialogue in ensuring the success of UHC, describing healthcare unions as essential partners in driving reforms.
“Duale underscored the ministry’s recognition of healthcare unions as key partners in advocating for workers’ rights and enhancing service delivery. He further emphasised that collaborative dialogue remains central to the success of UHC in Kenya,” the ministry added.
