Duale Declares: “I Don’t Have Money to Hire UHC Workers Permanently” as Crisis Looms in Health Sector
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dropped a bombshell—the government has no money to hire Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers on permanent and pensionable terms.
Speaking on Sunday, May 18, Duale made it clear:
“I want you to listen to me; I don’t have the money.”
He stated that only KSh3.5 billion is available, and it’s just enough for nurses’ contracts.
“The only money I have is Ksh3.5 billion, which is only for nurses’ contracts. Their money will be handled by the county governments.”
Payroll Transfer to Counties Is Final
Duale revealed that, starting July 1, all UHC payroll responsibilities will be handed to county governments.
“I want to assure you that from the first of July, I am going to transfer the whole payroll to counties.”
He urged the Senate to allocate more funds if the goal is to employ all UHC workers permanently.
“If you want them absorbed, then give me the money,” he said, defending the ministry’s financial position.
Health Workers Prepare to Strike
However, the statement has sparked outrage among UHC workers across the country.
Just a day before Duale’s remarks, the medics issued a strike notice, warning of a mass withdrawal starting Tuesday, May 20.
“We, the Health Caucus Kenya, on behalf of 8,571 healthcare workers serving under the UHC program across all 47 counties, hereby issue this formal strike notice,” they declared.
Years of Frustration Boil Over
The health workers—nurses, lab technicians, clinical officers, public health officers, and health assistants—say their patience has run out.
“This notice follows years of systemic neglect, unfair treatment, and continued violation of constitutional and labour rights by both the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors,” the caucus said.
Many of them were hired between 2019 and 2020 to improve healthcare delivery under the UHC initiative.
Blame Game Continues
Duale has blamed the previous administration for illegally centralizing UHC worker contracts.
“I will not reverse my decision to transfer UHC workers’ payslips to the county governments because the national government does not have any contract with them,” he insisted.
He has directed Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga to oversee the payroll transfer within 45 days.
Uncertainty and Fear Grip Workers
With just weeks to go, thousands of health workers face an uncertain future.
Without intervention, Kenya risks a national healthcare disruption.
ALSO READ:EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices for May and June,What you need to know!
Duale Declares: “I Don’t Have Money to Hire UHC Workers Permanently” as Crisis Looms in Health Sector
