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A standoff is in the offing between the national and county governments over the fate of 20,000 UHC workers currently working under the national government.
The Council of Governors say it will not absorb the UHC workers in the county payroll, citing insufficient funding, discriminatory job terms, and a lack of clarity from the national government.
CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi says counties will reject the transition unless their conditions are met, adding that they have not officially received the UHC payroll, and won’t accept it unless it comes with the money to cover salaries.
The healthcare workers employed on contract under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme have been protesting, demanding immediate absorption into permanent and pensionable terms and payment of long-promised gratuity.
The national government has since moved the UHC staff payroll to county governments from July 1.
According to the governors who addressed a press conference after a 5-hour full council meeting at their headquarters in Westlands, the question of transferring the UHC staff to counties is being mishandled and should be treated with the importance it requires.
CoG Health Committee chairperson Muthomi Njuki has asked the Ministry of Health to deal with the matter exhaustively to ensure their transition is seamless.
“Counties should not be dragged into a simmering tussle until (national government) conclusively deals with what is at hand”, he said.
At the same time, the governors also faulted the contents of the Division of Revenue Bill 2025, arguing the proposed equitable share allocation of Ksh 405 billion was below the recommended figure of Ksh 536 billion.
The Governors further claim the current allocation ignores critical non-discretionary costs and the burden of newly devolved responsibilities, violating the constitutional principle that resources must follow functions.
They’re now demanding an urgent meeting with National Treasury and the President, warning that continued underfunding puts the entire devolved system at risk.
County governments are currently owed nearly Ksh 74.98 billion in delayed disbursements.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has maintained that the Ministry of Health does not have enough money to absorb the Universal Health Coverage workers.
