NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has announced that all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) personnel will officially transition to county governments starting July 1, 2025, with plans underway to place them on permanent and pensionable terms in the 2026/2027 financial year.
In a statement released Tuesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale outlined the government’s phased approach to the transition, which includes transferring UHC payrolls and associated budgets from the national to county governments.
“UHC staff contracts, as agreed between individual staff and county governments, will remain valid until May 2026 as per the signed agreements,” Duale said.
The Ministry also confirmed that gratuity payments for UHC workers will be made at the end of their current contracts, in line with Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines.
The move comes amid a broader push to strengthen county-level health service delivery while the Ministry of Health repositions itself to focus on national policy, standards, capacity building, and technical support to devolved units.
PRESS STATEMENT ON UHC STAFF 13TH MAY 2025
Unions Consulted in Transition Talks
The transition plan follows a series of stakeholder consultations. On April 14, the Ministry and the Council of Governors, led by Chairperson Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, held a joint meeting to iron out the details.
A follow-up session on May 6 brought together Ministry officials, UHC staff representatives, and key healthcare unions.
Among those present were prominent union leaders, including Seth Panyako (Kenya National Union of Nurses), George Gibore (Kenya Union of Clinical Officers), and Mohamed Duba (Kenya Health Professionals Society), among others.
Duale acknowledged the unions’ role in protecting workers’ rights and enhancing health sector performance.
“We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders to uphold the integrity and sustainability of Universal Health Coverage in Kenya,” he said.
Counties Tasked with Payroll Verification
The Ministry has now urged the Council of Governors to fast-track the submission of verified UHC staff data to facilitate preparation of the May 2025 payroll—a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition.
“The Ministry remains committed to the success of UHC and appreciates the invaluable contributions of UHC staff in delivering essential health services across the country,” Duale said.
He added that the government will continue to work collaboratively to safeguard the welfare of health workers and maintain uninterrupted healthcare delivery to all Kenyans.
