The Ministry of Health has moved to clear the air on reports of confusion over the transition of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff to permanent and pensionable terms.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Ouma Oluga dismissed claims of contradictions in the ministry’s communication. He said the reports were misleading and assured that only legitimate UHC workers currently on duty will be absorbed into permanent and pensionable terms starting September 2025.
“The Principal Secretary’s letter to the Council of Governors CEO focused on verifying which staff are on duty and which are not, for purposes of payroll cleansing,” Oluga explained. “This exercise is both routine and legally required as part of the accounting officer’s responsibility.”
Oluga clarified that the statement earlier issued by Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale was consistent with his letter to the Council of Governors. According to him, the CS’s directive was about converting temporary staff to permanent and pensionable contracts, while the letter sought verification of staff who are actively serving in counties.
“The two communications are aligned and complement each other,” Oluga said. “They reinforce a coordinated reform agenda aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in managing the UHC workforce.”
He further revealed that the verification process was agreed upon during a meeting with all County Executive Committee Members for Health on August 21, 2025.
Reassuring workers, Oluga stressed that no legitimate UHC employee would lose their benefits in the process. “These actions guarantee that every shilling is accounted for and that every legitimate worker on duty is duly paid and transitioned,” he stated.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening the health workforce under the Taifa Care program while safeguarding public resources.
“The Ministry remains committed to accountability and transparency in managing the health sector,” Oluga affirmed.
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