The Council of Governors (CoG) has announced it will not absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers into county payrolls, citing mismanagement and lack of funding by the national government.
Speaking after a CoG meeting, Chairperson Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said counties have not officially received the UHC payroll records, and they will reject the transition unless it comes with sufficient funds to cover salaries and related benefits.
“The counties cannot be forced to take on the UHC staff unless the national government meets our conditions, including providing money to pay their salaries,” Abdullahi said.
The controversy stems from the national government’s move to transfer the UHC workforce payroll to county governments effective July 1, a process governors say was fast-tracked without adequate consultation or financial planning.
The UHC staff, many of whom were employed during the COVID-19 pandemic on contract terms, have been protesting outside the Ministry of Health and Parliament, demanding permanent employment with pension benefits or, alternatively, payment of gratuity for their six years of service before seeking new roles in counties.
CoG Health Committee Chairperson Muthomi Njuki urged the Ministry of Health to address the matter thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition.
“Counties should not be dragged into a simmering tussle until the national government conclusively deals with the outstanding issues,” Njuki said.
On his part, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale acknowledged over the weekend that the Ministry of Health lacks adequate funds to absorb the UHC workers, leaving the matter unresolved.
