UHC workers set for permanent jobs as counties agree to absorb them

Audio By Vocalize

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arrive for Inter- Governmental Budget and Economic Council meeting on August 31, 2026. [DPCS]

The decision was reached during a special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) session chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, bringing relief to thousands of health workers who have been serving under contracts as part of the government’s UHC programme.

Under the agreement, counties will absorb eligible UHC workers into their establishments and place them on permanent and pensionable terms. The transition will be financed through the County Governments Additional Allocations (CGAA) for the 2026/27 financial year.

The Ministry of Health will also be reimbursed for payments it has already made to the workers for July and August, as the responsibility for their employment shifts to county governments.