Several health workers’ unions and professional associations have strongly condemned what they described as police brutality during a peaceful demonstration held in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, by staff working under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
In a joint statement signed by seven unions—including the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union, Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians, Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists, and the Health Sector Caucus—the health workers decried the violent crackdown by police and accused both the Ministry of Health and the 47 County Governments of gross negligence.
The unions revealed that UHC health workers have been on strike for the last 95 days, citing government failure to address long-standing grievances.
These include harmonization of salaries in accordance with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines, absorption into permanent and pensionable terms, and payment of gratuity for services rendered.
In their statement, the unions also highlighted the plight of 97 Global Fund staff, who have worked without pay for 11 months despite their contracts ending in June 2024. According to the unions, the workers continued providing services from July 2024 to date, even though their contracts indicated they would be absorbed at the end of their term.
“It is a gross violation of labour rights. Their counterparts under the National Government have already been absorbed and are earning salaries under permanent and pensionable terms. This discriminatory treatment is a blatant abuse of labour rights as provided under Article 41 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Employment Act,” read part of the statement.
The unions expressed outrage over the violent scenes that played out during the Nairobi demonstration, where several UHC workers were injured. “We are appalled by the acts of police brutality. Health workers exercising their democratic right to protest were assaulted—a shameful and cowardly act against professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others,” the statement added.
They described the violence as unconstitutional and a direct attack on democracy, justice, and human dignity, urging the government to treat health workers as key partners in national development, not adversaries.
The unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors to convene a joint meeting with all relevant stakeholders to agree on a clear framework.
They are demanding the immediate absorption of all UHC and Global Fund staff starting July 1, 2025, the payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed to the Global Fund staff, and the settlement of service gratuity for the entire period served under contract.
They also demanded a public apology from the Inspector General of Police and disciplinary action against officers who assaulted health workers. Failure to act within seven days, they warned, would result in legal action against the IG.
In addition, they called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and prosecute the officers involved.
Finally, the unions announced that they had instructed their National Executive and Advisory Councils to prepare for a joint nationwide strike if the outlined demands are not fully addressed within 14 days.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
