President William Ruto has announced that over 7,000 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms, with salaries set according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) scales. Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, September 4, the President said the government has already released funds to cover their salaries.
“These workers have suffered for too long. We shall ensure they are hired on permanent and pensionable terms, not contracts,” Ruto said. He added that counties can expect salaries to be paid this month in line with SRC recommendations.
The decision follows a verification exercise by the State Department for Medical Services and the Council of Governors (CoG) to assess all UHC staff across the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed on August 25 that staff in active service will be absorbed starting September 2025, while those with pending disciplinary issues will be addressed separately.
The CoG had previously raised concerns about the government’s capacity to implement the absorption. Tharaka Nithi Governor and CoG Health Committee Chair Muthomi Njuki described the process as premature, noting that the verification report had not yet been officially shared. He said the council remains committed to absorbing verified UHC staff and paying their salaries once resources are allocated and gratuity obligations are met.
Despite these concerns, President Ruto emphasized that the national government has the resources to ensure the process runs smoothly. The move is expected to provide job security and benefits to thousands of health workers, strengthening Kenya’s healthcare workforce.
