Duale axes ghost workers and confirms absorption of 7,414 UHC staff
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the government’s next major step toward strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by formally absorbing over 7,400 health workers, while cracking down on ghost workers and unqualified staff previously on the public payroll.
In a press release issued on his X account on Monday, August 25, 2025, Duale said the Ministry of Health had concluded a nationwide verification exercise of UHC staff, carried out in partnership with the Council of Governors (COG) and the State Department for Medical Services.
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“Out of the 7,629 staff verified, 215 did not present themselves, having been identified as either non-existent (ghost workers) or not qualified health professionals,” he stated.
“Their salaries have been stopped and they have been removed from the payroll pending further investigations to prosecute, determine and recover the irregular payment.”
The sweeping audit comes amid growing public pressure for accountability in the health sector and the effective use of taxpayer funds.
The verification exercise is part of a wider reform strategy aimed at ensuring that qualified health professionals are deployed to deliver quality care across counties under the UHC agenda.
Two categories
Of the remaining staff, 7,414 will be categorised into two groups: those currently in active service and those facing disciplinary concerns. Staff in good standing will be formally absorbed starting September 2025, while those with unresolved issues will face scrutiny under Public Service Commission (PSC) Regulations.
“UHC staff members absent from duty or having disciplinary issues will not be absorbed. Such cases will be reviewed in consultation with the Public Service Commission, which provides for separation, removal from the payroll, and other disciplinary measures,” the statement read.
Duale emphasised that the ministry is working closely with the PSC, COG, and other stakeholders to ensure the process remains fair, transparent, and accountable.
“This process underscores the unwavering commitment to reforms in the health sector, efficient management of public resources, and realisation of the Government’s pledge to achieve Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans,” Duale asserted.
The Cs said the move is a major step forward in cleaning up payrolls, boosting healthcare delivery, and ensuring that only qualified professionals serve in Kenya’s public health system.
