Healthcare workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program are set for a major shift in employment structure as the Ministry of Health announced plans to fully devolve payroll management to county governments by July 1, 2025.
The decision, reached during a high-level consultative forum involving the Ministry, Council of Governors, and union leaders, signals a new phase in health sector decentralization placing counties at the heart of workforce planning, budgeting, and employment terms for UHC staff.
The Ministry assured that counties will not be left to shoulder the financial burden alone. During the transition, the national government will transfer both payroll responsibilities and the accompanying stipend budget to facilitate continuity.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale chaired the meeting, which brought together officials from key unions representing nurses, clinical officers, lab technicians, and public health practitioners. Their involvement emphasized the critical role of health workers in the success of UHC and the need for clear employment guarantees.
In a joint statement, Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga and CoG CEO Mary Mwiti confirmed that counties will receive additional funding ahead of the current contract expiry, enabling them to absorb UHC staff into permanent and pensionable positions.
The development is seen as a win for health workers who have long sought job security and better terms. It also marks a step forward in devolved health governance bringing decision-making closer to where services are delivered.
