UHC Staff Left Stranded as Governors Reject Payroll Transfer Until Funding Dispute Is Resolved

The Council of Governors (CoG) has directed all 47 county governments to immediately halt the migration of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff payrolls from the national government to county payroll systems, citing a lack of funding for workers’ salaries.

In a circular dated 21st July 2029, CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi directed County Executive Committee Members for Public Service, Health and County Payroll Managers to stop the current exercise until there is further consultation with the national government.

The direct order was issued after receiving a letter from the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.

Governors Stop UHC Staff Workers’ Payroll Integration

The letter certified that the payroll information of UHC staff had already been sent to the counties.

But the governors argued that their Division of Revenue Act (DORA), 2026, provides no funds for the payroll of the UHC staff and that it would be financially infeasible.

Also Read: Oasis Mental Health Centre to Operate Under New Name From August

“It is instructive to note that the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) 2026 does not provide for the salaries of UHC staff. Consequently… the migration and integration of the UHC payroll data into County payroll systems is therefore not tenable at this time,” the board stated.

The council reiterated support for the Universal Health Coverage programme but expressed the need that financing and employment issues still have to be resolved prior to the counties taking over the payroll responsibility.

“We wish to reiterate and reaffirm the County Governments’ unwavering commitment to the Universal Health Coverage agenda and to ensuring that Kenyans continue to access quality and uninterrupted healthcare services,” the Council said.

Also Read:  Gachagua  Reveals How He Gets Govt Information, Claims to Have Support Within NIS and NPS

Healthcare Financing Framework and Payroll Data Integration Hold

According to the governors, the Ministry of Health has been involved with the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, the National Treasury, the Public Service Commission and other institutions to develop a long-term financing framework.

The board noted that until the resolutions of those discussions, counties have been informed not to upload the transferred payroll information into their payroll system.

“County Payroll Managers [are] to HOLD any migration of payroll data… and NOT to integrate the UHC payroll data into the County Government payroll systems pending further advisory from the Council,” the directive reads.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

UHC Staff Left Stranded after Governor Says No to Transfer Until Funding Is Resolved. Photo/ file