Doctors and Health Workers’ Unions Issue Strike Warning
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A coalition of health unions under the Health Union Caucus has demanded the immediate absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund staff into permanent and pensionable terms, warning of industrial action if the government fails to act before the end of their contracts.
The Health Union Caucus comprises the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), and other professional health associations.
In a joint statement dated June 15, the health unions said UHC and Global Fund workers have continued to face injustice and uncertainty due to delays in their transition to permanent and pensionable employment.
“We, the Health Union Caucus comprising of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) convened an urgent meeting to address the continued injustices facing healthcare workers, particularly the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund staff who have not yet been absorbed into Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms,” read part of the statement.
They noted that many workers have been waiting for appointment letters that have not yet been issued, despite earlier expectations of absorption into the public service system.
Health Unions Mobilize Over Delayed Absorption of UHC Workers
According to the unions, only two weeks remain before the expiry of current UHC contracts, a situation they say has created widespread anxiety among affected workers and their families.
The caucus warned that the uncertainty surrounding employment status is affecting morale and stability within the healthcare system, which relies heavily on UHC and donor-funded staff.
In addition, the health unions acknowledged the allocation of Ksh 8.9 billion in the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates approved by Parliament for the payment of UHC salaries under conditional grants.
However, they argued that the funding model is not sustainable, saying it continues to expose workers to annual uncertainty and job insecurity.
As a result, they are now calling for the funds to be moved into the equitable share framework under the Division of Revenue Act to ensure long-term stability.
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Demands Issued to the Government About UHC Workers
The Health Union Caucus issued three main demands:
- Immediate absorption of all UHC and Global Fund staff into Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms, with appointment letters issued by June 30, 2026.
- Inclusion of UHC funding under the equitable share framework instead of conditional grants.
- Formal involvement of health unions in all discussions regarding the transition process.
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The unions further warned that failure to meet their demands will result in industrial action beginning July 1, 2026.
They also stated that members will be mobilized to camp outside the National Assembly and Senate until adequate funding is secured and the employment issue is resolved.
The Health Union Caucus has urged the National Assembly, Senate, National Treasury, Ministry of Health, and Council of Governors (COG) to urgently intervene and resolve the matter.
They also called on President William Samoei Ruto to personally intervene to secure the jobs of UHC and Global Fund workers, linking the issue to the government’s broader Universal Health Coverage agenda.
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Health Unions Demand Permanent Hiring of UHC Workers. Photo/ UHC / X