Governors seek Sh7.8 billion annual funding to absorb 8,287 UHC staff into county payrolls
The Ministry of Health announced in May that all UHC staff would officially be transferred to county governments by July 1, 2025.
The Council of Governors is advocating for Sh7.8 billion in annual funding from the Ministry of Health to support the transfer of 8,287 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff to county government payrolls.
Speaking during the 2025 State of Devolution Address, CoG Chair and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi emphasised that the funding is critical for counties to fully absorb the health workers under terms approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
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"The Council of Governors is advocating for sh7.8 billion in annual funding from the Ministry of Health to transition 8,287 UHC staff to county payrolls under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission approved terms," he said.
Governor Ahmed stated that Kenya currently has approximately 226,434 healthcare workers across both public and private sectors, with 149,447 serving in public health facilities.
These include 34,220 nurses, 4,651 medical officers, 7,877 clinical officers, 4,686 laboratory technologists and technicians, and 1,942 nutritionists. He also noted that 681 doctors from 41 counties are currently undergoing postgraduate training to strengthen the country’s specialist capacity.
At the community level, he highlighted the vital role of 107,831 community health promoters (CHPs) who are supporting preventive and promotive health services—key components in sustaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
SHA
Governor Ahmed further reported that 24.4 million Kenyans had been registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) within the past eight months, granting them access to free services at primary healthcare and UHC facilities.
By the end of 2024, a total of 9,365 public health facilities—representing about 78 per cent of the total—had been accredited, an increase of 594 compared to those previously recognised under the NHIF system.
"Public health facilities have received sh12.7 billion out of the sh35.66 billion disbursed under SHA, with the rest going to private, which is 48.8 per cent and 15.6 per cent for faith-based providers," said the CoG chair.
He also said that Sh5.9 billion had been paid out through the PHC cash-in-links fund, with 54 per cent going to public facilities.
Despite these disbursements, he pointed out that some primary health care facilities were still waiting for payments despite submitting claims.
The Ministry of Health announced in May that all UHC staff would officially be transferred to county governments by July 1, 2025.
In the statement, the Ministry confirmed that counties would take over payroll and budgeting responsibilities for the health workers, marking a significant step in the devolution of health services.
The decision followed consultations with key stakeholders, including healthcare worker unions and the Council of Governors.
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