Duale: Transfer of UHC payroll to counties is non-negotiable
Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has announced that the transfer of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) payroll to counties is non-negotiable.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during the flagging off of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) at Afya House, Nairobi, the CS stated that the UHC is a devolved function according to the constitution.
“I want to make it categorically clear to my colleagues and friends, the UHC staff. We can talk about other things, but the transfer of UHC payroll to the counties. It is not negotiable. It is the law, it is the constitution,” he stated.
The CS ordered the Council of Governors (COG) to give the ministry the list of all UHC staff in the 47 counties before the resources are released.
“I want to ask the representative of the council of governors here, we expect you to give us the UHC staff in the 47 counties,” Duale stated
Further, he asked the Ministry of Health to audit the names of the staff after they are submitted to ascertain the employees nationwide.
“I am going to ask an audit from the Ministry of Health of who are the staff of UHC before we release you give us the names and the persons of UHC staff in every county,” he stated.
Duale directed the Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga to release the UHC resources to the 47 counties on July 1, 2025, to bring order in the Ministry of Health.
“I am asking the PS medical services, come July 1, 2025, please transfer the resources in Afya House , the payroll, allowances and stipends to the 47 counties,” he added.
This comes after Duale and the Universal Health Coverage staff clashed over the payment of gratuity.
Duale said the decision is part of an agreement reached during a meeting between the ministry, the Council of Governors, UHC workers representatives and healthcare workers unions.
However, the staff want their dues paid immediately.
Health Sector Caucus
The Health Sector Caucus (HSC), which led the Tuesday, May 13, 2025 peaceful march in Nairobi, insisted their demands must be met immediately, before the UHC payroll is transferred to counties.
HSC chairperson Peter Wachira listed the transition to permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms and payment of gratuity.
“What we are asking for is simple: permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms and gratuity now. They must also harmonise your salaries so that you are paid like any other health worker,” he said.
The demonstration saw a unified procession head to the Ministry of Health with protesters carrying banners and placards, chanting slogans and urging President William Ruto to intervene.
Tensions escalated following claims by union members that key government figures had attempted to call off the strike without consulting the unions.
