Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has urged the government to urgently address the fate of over 8,000 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers, warning that continued delays in their absorption could destabilize Kenya’s healthcare system.
In a strong statement Wednesday, Cherargei called for the immediate confirmation of the health staff on permanent and pensionable terms, arguing that their uncertain status poses risks to the future of healthcare delivery.
“This issue is not just about jobs, it is about the future of healthcare in Kenya,” he said. “We cannot afford to ignore the livelihoods of thousands of workers who form the backbone of our health system, especially those who stood firm during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
His remarks come after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that 7,414 UHC staff will be absorbed into the public service beginning September 2025. The move follows a verification exercise conducted by the State Department for Medical Services and the Council of Governors. Out of 7,629 staff verified, 215 were flagged as ghost workers or unqualified professionals, leading to the suspension of their salaries.
While welcoming the absorption of the verified staff, Cherargei questioned the fate of those left out of the process, raising fears that genuine professionals could be sidelined. He further criticized the government’s track record in honoring salary commitments, saying delayed payments have left many workers demoralized.
“How can we speak of Universal Health Coverage when our frontline workers are being neglected and betrayed?” he posed.
The senator also raised concerns about recent revelations of ghost workers within the UHC program, warning that fraudulent entries risk undermining the credibility of the process. He called on the Ministry of Health, county governments, and other stakeholders to urgently convene and resolve the crisis through a transparent and equitable framework.
“This is a test of our national priorities. If we are serious about accessible and quality healthcare for all Kenyans, we must start by treating our health workers with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Cherargei said.
As the September absorption date approaches, the healthcare community and the public await further clarity on how the remaining cases will be resolved.
