Union demands full implementation of Ruto’s directive on UHC staff absorption
In a statement, KEHPHPU praised President Ruto for taking decisive action to regularise the employment of UHC staff, who have worked under temporary contracts for more than five years.
The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) has called on the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors to fully implement President William Ruto’s directive to absorb all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers into permanent and pensionable terms.
The union has urged the government to issue appointment letters without delay, settle all pending gratuities, and ensure full transparency throughout the process.
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In a statement, KEHPHPU praised President Ruto for taking decisive action to regularise the employment of UHC staff, who have worked under temporary contracts for more than five years.
“These workers have tirelessly served Kenyans for the last five years under prolonged and harsh contractual conditions, and this directive comes as a timely relief," the Union stated.
"This pronouncement arrives at a critical moment when there has been a visible push and pull between the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors over the future of UHC workers."
The union also emphasised that compliance with the directive is critical to the success of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage programme, which aims to provide equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare to all citizens.
"Both the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors must fully comply with the directive without further contestation," the union said.
KEHPHPU highlighted the importance of financial protection, equity, inclusivity, and integrated health service delivery as the cornerstone of UHC.
The union listed several demands to the government, including the immediate issuance of permanent and pensionable letters to all verified UHC staff, payment of gratuities owed, public disclosure of the verified staff list, and clarification on staff facing disciplinary cases to prevent unfair treatment.
While welcoming assurances from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale that verified UHC staff will be absorbed on permanent terms starting September 2025, the union issued a stern warning that non-compliance with the President’s directive will leave it with no choice but to mobilise its members for industrial action.
"We stand firmly with this government position and expect that UHC staff salaries by the end of this month shall reflect P&P terms without further delay. We must emphasise that UHC staff do not need improved or varied contract letters but Permanent and Pensionable letters as expressly directed by the President."
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