Duale orders crackdown on thousands of ghost workers in UHC programme
The CS confirmed that the process should conclude by next week, after which qualified personnel will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has raised the alarm over thousands of ghost health workers irregularly enrolled under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, revealing that those involved may face legal action.
Speaking in Uasin Gishu County, Duale stated that the Ministry of Health is in the final stages of a comprehensive vetting and verification process to identify genuine health workers under the UHC initiative.
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The CS confirmed that the process should conclude by next week, after which qualified personnel will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Duale said funds had already been allocated by Parliament for the hiring of UHC staff, but cautioned against pressure from individuals seeking to influence the ongoing vetting. “I have the money to hire UHC workers, but no one should try to harass me while the process is still ongoing,” he said.
Preliminary findings from the vetting exercise indicate that thousands of individuals were hired irregularly and have been receiving salaries illegally.
The CS added that many listed as nurses were not professionally trained for the role and had been drawing public funds fraudulently. These cases, he said, would be handed over to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for investigation.
“If you are not a qualified nurse but have been earning as one under UHC, prepare to face the law. You will be required to refund public money,” warned Duale.
He also advised the workers not to resort to protests, letters, or pressure tactics, emphasising that the process must be completed properly.
He said that the focus of the healthcare system must remain on patients, not employees or institutions. “The real boss in healthcare is the patient. Our priority must be to restore dignity to the people we serve.”
Duale reminded Kenyans that primary healthcare in facilities below level four is free and urged citizens not to pay for services at those levels.
He praised President William Ruto’s administration for successfully rolling out universal healthcare, noting that over 25 million Kenyans have already registered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
He said the new health model guarantees equal access to health services for all citizens, regardless of economic or social background.
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