A total of 7,414 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers are set to be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms effective September 2025.
This follows a nationwide joint headcount exercise conducted by the State Department for Medical Services in collaboration with the Council of Governors (CoG).
Addressing a presser on Monday afternoon, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale disclosed that in total, 7,629 medics were verified. However, 215 individuals who failed to present themselves were subsequently identified as either ghost workers or unqualified and their salaries stopped, pending further investigations.
“Out of the 7,629 staff verified, 215 did not present themselves, having been identified as either non-existent (ghost workers) or not qualified health professionals and their salaries have been stopped and they have been removed from the payroll pending further investigations to prosecute, determine and recover the irregular payment.”, he stated.
He added that the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorised into two groups, namely those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues.
“Consequently, the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorised into two groups: those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues. Staff in active service will be formally transitioned and absorbed with effect from September 2025. UHC Staff members absent from duty or having disciplinary issues, will not be absorbed,” he announced.
He explained that the cases will be reviewed in consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC), in line with PSC Regulations 2020 on Human Resource, which provides for separation, removal from the payroll, and other disciplinary measures.
He pledged to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the absorption process while safeguarding the rights of eligible officers.
“This process underscores the unwavering commitment to reforms in the health sector, efficient management of public resources, and realization of the Government’s pledge to achieve Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans”, he added.
The medics recently went on strike to demand permanent employment.
