Hundreds of health workers took to the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday in a peaceful demonstration that later escalated into a dramatic standoff at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Afya House, as they demanded improved employment terms and immediate resolution of pending grievances.
The protesting medics forced their way into the Ministry’s offices, temporarily paralyzing operations as they demanded permanent employment, payment of outstanding gratuities, and harmonization of salaries.
A key point of contention was the government’s decision to transfer their payroll management to county governments starting July 1, 2025.“We served this country diligently during critical times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we continue to be ignored,” said one of the protesting workers outside Nairobi City County offices, where the medics later marched to continue their demonstrations.
The health workers, who are part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, expressed fears that transferring their payroll to the counties could further compromise their already precarious working conditions.
They called for the national government to first fulfill its obligations before effecting the payroll shift.In response to the protests, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the full implementation of agreements reached with unions representing UHC staff.
He urged the Council of Governors to expedite the submission of verified UHC staff returns to facilitate the processing of the May 2025 payroll.CS Duale also clarified that UHC staff contracts will remain valid until May 2026 and that plans are in place to transition them to permanent and pensionable terms in the 2026/27 financial year.
On the issue of gratuities, Duale assured the medics that payments would be made upon expiry of their current contracts, in accordance with Public Service Commission (PSC .
Health workers are calling on both levels of government to act swiftly to resolve the standoff, warning that failure to do so could lead to further disruption in essential health services across the country.