Parliamentary Committee Proposes KSh 47 Billion Boost to Health Budget to Secure UHC Jobs, Strengthen Services

Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya’s parliamentary health committee has recommended an additional KSh 47 billion be allocated to the Ministry of Health’s 2025/26 budget, in a move aimed at safeguarding Universal Health Coverage (UHC) jobs and enhancing national healthcare delivery. The proposal was tabled on Wednesday, May 23, and reflects growing pressure to resolve looming job insecurity for thousands of contract health workers and to strengthen key public health programs.

Committee Chairperson Dr. James Nyikal announced that KSh 5 billion of the proposed increment would go toward settling gratuity payments for the 8,550 UHC workers whose contracts are due to expire next year. The committee is also pushing for the transition of these workers from temporary terms to permanent and pensionable positions.

“These health workers have expressed legitimate fears about their future,” Nyikal said. “If the UHC workers are not sorted out, they will go on strike. This is a matter that must be addressed with the urgency it deserves.”

The recommendation comes amid mounting concerns within the healthcare sector over staff retention and service continuity. UHC workers have played a central role in expanding access to basic healthcare services in both urban and rural areas, making their retention a national priority.

The proposed budgetary boost also includes allocations for community health promoters and funding for other critical health initiatives aimed at bolstering Kenya’s capacity to deliver quality care.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has previously appealed to lawmakers to close funding gaps in the ministry’s budget during the ongoing review process. The parliamentary committee’s move now signals broad support within the National Assembly for increased investment in health services and frontline workers.

If adopted, the additional funding is expected to not only stabilize the workforce but also accelerate the rollout of UHC, a flagship component of President William Ruto’s social agenda.

The final decision on the budgetary allocations now rests with the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, which will integrate sector recommendations into the national budget ahead of its approval.