CoG raises concerns over UHC staff integration into county payrolls
The chair of CoG’s Health Committee in a statement on Tuesday said the Ministry’s approach conflicts with earlier agreements made between national and county governments and could disrupt the smooth absorption of health workers.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has voiced reservations over the Ministry of Health’s plan to integrate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into county payrolls, citing unresolved issues on timing, verification, and gratuity payments.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, chair of CoG’s Health Committee, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Ministry’s approach conflicts with earlier agreements made between national and county governments and could disrupt the smooth absorption of health workers.
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On the transfer of UHC staff, the Council emphasised that funds must first be allocated according to the approved Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) scale before moving payroll responsibilities to counties.
“Since the contracts are still valid, the decision to transfer the staff at this time is premature and untimely,” Njuki said.
Regarding staff verification, the Council stressed that the results of the nationwide exercise have not yet been validated or officially shared.
CoG maintains that only fully verified staff should be transitioned to county employment.
The payment of gratuity for contractual UHC staff remains another key concern.
Njuki insisted that all gratuity payments be settled before absorption into county systems.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to facilitate verified staff salaries according to SRC-approved scales once resources and gratuity obligations are in place.
“The Constitution provides that both levels of government should relate based on consultation as opposed to directive,” Njuki said, highlighting the need for collaboration.
CoG also urged the Ministry to allocate the necessary funds to counties to ensure a smooth transition of UHC staff in line with county human resource policies.
Earlier on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that 7,414 UHC staff would be absorbed into public service starting September 2025, following a joint verification exercise by the State Department for Medical Services and CoG.
Out of 7,629 verified staff, 215 were identified as either ghost workers or unqualified professionals. “Salaries for the 215 have been stopped, and they have been removed from the government payroll pending investigations aimed at recovering any irregular payments made,” Duale said.
The remaining staff will be categorised into those in active service and those facing disciplinary issues.
“Staff in active service will be formally transitioned and absorbed with effect from September 2025,” Duale explained.
“Those with disciplinary issues or who are absent from duty will not be absorbed until their cases are reviewed under the Public Service Commission Regulations 2020 on Human Resources.”
Depending on the outcome, cases may result in separation, removal from payroll, or other disciplinary actions as prescribed by law.
The Council of Governors reiterated its commitment to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health to ensure proper management of UHC staff and strengthen health service delivery across all counties.
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