Health sector unions have issued a
nationwide strike notice set to take effect on July 1, 2026, unless the
government fulfills its commitment to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
and Global Fund healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable employment
terms. The move has heightened concerns over potential disruptions to
healthcare services across the country.
The Health Union Caucus, comprising
several key healthcare workers’ unions, says thousands of workers remain
uncertain about their future despite years of service under contractual
arrangements. The unions argue that many employees have waited for years for
the government to implement promises of job security and permanent employment.
According to union leaders, contracts for
many UHC workers are set to expire at the end of June, yet appointment letters
confirming their transition to permanent and pensionable terms have not been
issued. The delay has reportedly caused anxiety and uncertainty among
healthcare workers and their families.
The unions acknowledged Parliament’s
allocation of approximately KSh 8.9 billion in the 2026/2027 budget to support
UHC workers’ salaries. However, they maintain that the funding only offers a
temporary solution and fails to address the broader issue of employment
insecurity within the health sector.
In a joint statement, the Health Union
Caucus demanded the immediate absorption of all UHC and Global Fund staff into
permanent and pensionable positions by June 30, 2026. The unions also called
for a more sustainable funding mechanism that would protect healthcare workers
from recurring contract uncertainties.
Failure to meet these demands, the unions
warned, will result in industrial action beginning July 1. They have further
threatened to mobilize healthcare workers nationwide and stage demonstrations
outside Parliament until a lasting solution is reached.
The unions have appealed to the National
Treasury, the Ministry of Health, Parliament, the Council of Governors, and
President entity[“politician”,“William Ruto”,“President of Kenya”] to
intervene urgently and secure the employment of affected healthcare workers.
They argue that stable employment is essential for the success of Kenya’s
Universal Health Coverage agenda and the continued delivery of quality
healthcare services.
Despite the looming strike, union
officials have stated that they remain open to dialogue and negotiations aimed
at resolving the dispute amicably. Stakeholders are now racing against time to
find a solution before the June 30 deadline.
Potential Impact
Should the strike proceed as planned,
healthcare services in public hospitals and health facilities across the
country could face significant disruptions, affecting thousands of patients who
rely on public healthcare services. Health experts warn that a prolonged
standoff may undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system
and achieve universal health coverage goals.
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