National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has assured striking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers that Parliament is committed to addressing their grievances through legislative and budgetary support.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with officials from the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) at Parliament Buildings, Wetang’ula said he understands the concerns of the workers and emphasized that the National Assembly is actively working to help resolve them.
“I received a petition from the striking UHC workers and immediately instructed the National Assembly Committee on Health to allocate funds in the 2025/26 budget to respond to their concerns,” said the Speaker.
He revealed that Parliament has already set aside resources in the upcoming national budget to address key demands by the workers. These include converting their contracts to permanent and pensionable terms and paying all pending gratuities.
“These demands are valid and necessary to ensure the stability of our health workforce,” Wetang’ula added.
However, he noted that implementation will depend on the formal approval of the national budget, which Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is expected to present on Thursday.
Wetang’ula urged the union, led by Chairman Nicholas Odipo, to suspend the ongoing strike while waiting for the budget process to unfold. He encouraged them to exercise patience and trust in Parliament’s efforts.
“I understand your frustration, and while peaceful protests are allowed under the Constitution, I urge you to picket respectfully and think about the impact on healthcare delivery in communities,” he said.
He warned that a prolonged strike could undo progress made through the UHC program, especially at the grassroots level.
The Speaker also stressed Parliament’s commitment to oversight, saying it would ensure that funds allocated to the Ministry of Health are used properly and for the intended purposes.
“Instead of pointing fingers, let’s find practical solutions. Parliament is your partner in pushing for accountability and fairness in our healthcare system,” he said.
Wetang’ula also raised concern over the disruption caused by protests near Parliament and encouraged the workers to use structured dialogue to present their concerns.
Union Chair Nicholas Odipo welcomed the Speaker’s support and described the meeting as a positive step toward resolving the workers’ long-standing issues.
“We often camp outside Parliament during protests hoping our voices will be heard. We are encouraged that the Speaker has finally responded,” Odipo said.
He said UHC workers have faced broken promises from the government, including the failure to offer permanent jobs, harmonize salaries in line with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines, and provide benefits like health insurance, pensions, and career development opportunities.
Odipo stressed that their demands are not just about fairness but also about securing their jobs before they are transferred to county governments.
The meeting was also attended by Majority Party Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro and MPs Martin Pepela and Duncan Mathenge, showing Parliament’s shared concern for the welfare of UHC workers.
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