Nairobi, Kenya — Government to Absorb 7,414 UHC Workers on Permanent Terms

The Ministry of Health has announced a major boost for Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, confirming that 7,414 contract health workers will be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms beginning September 2025.

In a statement released on 25 August, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the decision followed a nationwide verification exercise to establish the authenticity of UHC staff. He explained that employees were placed into two categories — those in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues. Only active workers will be absorbed, while individuals with cases such as absenteeism will be disciplined under Public Service Commission (PSC) regulations.

Ghost Workers Struck Off the Payroll

The audit revealed irregularities within the system. Out of 7,629 individuals listed, 215 were found to be “ghost workers” who either failed to present themselves for verification or did not meet qualifications. These names have been struck off the payroll, with further investigations and possible prosecution underway.

The verification was carried out jointly by the State Department for Medical Services and the Council of Governors to safeguard accountability. Duale noted that the exercise was necessary to “clean up the payroll and ensure that only genuine health workers benefit from government absorption.”

Strengthening the Health Workforce

The absorption will secure the future of thousands of frontline workers, including nurses, clinical officers, public health officers, and support staff. According to the ministry, the move is intended to stabilise the workforce and accelerate the realisation of UHC goals. By giving health workers job security, officials hope to improve morale and strengthen service delivery across counties.

For months, UHC workers had raised concerns over delayed pay and uncertainty surrounding contract renewals. Threats of strikes had placed the government under pressure to act. The confirmation of permanent terms is now expected to ease tensions and restore stability in health facilities.

A Commitment to Transparency

Duale emphasised that the Ministry of Health remains committed to transparency in human resource management. He pledged ongoing collaboration with the PSC, the Council of Governors, and other stakeholders to address personnel challenges, adding: “This is part of our effort to create a disciplined, motivated, and sustainable health workforce that can deliver on Kenya’s UHC agenda.”

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare reforms, promising relief for workers long caught in limbo and reassurance for citizens relying on the UHC programme for essential health services.