UHC workers stage protests outside Afya House
A wave of protests by healthcare workers employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme almost paralysed operations at Afya House in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Armed with banners and whistles, hundreds of UHC workers pitched camp outside Afya House while chanting and decrying unfulfilled promises. Workers from different parts of the country joined the protests, aiming to have direct talks with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
The workers blocked the section of the road leading to Afya with stones, calling on the Ministry of Health to heed their concerns.
Most of the protesting workers were initially recruited between 2019 and 2020 as part of the country’s broader effort to roll out the UHC programme, aimed at expanding access to essential health services by deploying additional staff, especially in underserved rural and peri-urban areas.
Nurses, clinical officers, public health officers, laboratory technicians, health assistants, and community health workers were among those brought on board.
They took to the streets over what they termed as government failure to honour their pledge, as most of them were employed on a contractual basis but promised to be converted to permanent and pensionable roles.
Other demands
Their continued protests have brought health services in several counties to a standstill.
Even though they played a critical role at the height of COVID-19 pandemic, the workers have continued to demonstrate over unfilled promises.
In their various press conferences, some UHC workers have complained about going for months without pay. Their contracts have either expired or been extended repeatedly without job security.
The transition from contract to permanent employment has been mired in confusion, with national and county governments blaming each other for delays in absorbing the workers into permanent roles.
In March 2025, UHC workers marched to Parliament twice to petition the Senate for urgent intervention. At the start of April 2025, CS Duale pledged to address the long-standing concerns within the next three weeks.
He emphasised fairness and equity in addressing health sector concerns, promising consultative solutions that prioritise the welfare of healthcare professionals. Additionally, the CS reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system while cracking down on unqualified practitioners in the sector.
