Health Unions Issue Strike Threat as Pressure Mounts Over UHC Workers’ Job Security
By Editorial Team
NAIROBI, June 15, 2026 — Health unions have threatened nationwide industrial action if the government fails to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable terms before the expiry of their contracts at the end of the month.
The warning comes amid growing anxiety among thousands of healthcare workers whose contracts are set to lapse in less than two weeks, yet many have not received appointment letters confirming their transition into permanent employment.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Monday following an urgent meeting in Nairobi, the Health Union Caucus accused the government of delaying the implementation of a long-standing commitment, leaving affected workers in uncertainty despite repeated assurances.
The caucus, which brings together seven key health unions, said the prolonged delay has triggered frustration and emotional distress among healthcare workers and their families, many of whom now fear losing their jobs.
According to the unions, UHC and Global Fund staff have continued to serve communities across the country under uncertain terms for years, making the delayed transition to permanent and pensionable employment increasingly unacceptable.
Even so, the unions acknowledged Parliament’s approval of KSh 8.9 billion in the 2026/2027 budget to facilitate the payment of UHC staff salaries for one year through conditional grants. However, they argued that the allocation only provides temporary relief and fails to address the deeper problem of employment insecurity.
While welcoming the funding, the unions maintained that annual conditional grants expose healthcare workers to repeated uncertainty and cannot guarantee long-term job stability.
Consequently, the Health Union Caucus demanded the immediate absorption of all UHC and Global Fund staff into permanent and pensionable terms, with appointment letters issued no later than June 30, 2026.
In addition, the unions called on Parliament to channel the allocated funds through an equitable share framework instead of annual conditional grants, arguing that such a move would provide a sustainable solution and protect healthcare workers from recurring contractual uncertainty.
The caucus further insisted on being actively involved in discussions surrounding the transition process to ensure transparency and safeguard the interests of healthcare workers.
However, the unions warned that failure to address their demands would leave them with no option but to proceed with industrial action beginning July 1, 2026.
At the same time, they threatened to mobilize members from across the country to camp outside the National Assembly and Senate until adequate resources are allocated under the Division of Revenue framework to support the full transition of affected workers.
The unions have now called on the National Assembly, Senate, National Treasury, Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors to urgently intervene and work jointly toward a lasting solution.
Further, they appealed to President William Samoei Ruto to personally intervene and secure the jobs of UHC and Global Fund workers, arguing that employment stability remains critical to the successful implementation of the country’s universal healthcare agenda and the realization of the government’s health goals.
Despite escalating tensions, the Health Union Caucus said it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition of healthcare workers into permanent employment while strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
The statement was signed by Health Union Caucus Chairperson Peterson M. Wachira alongside senior officials from the participating unions, including George M. Gibore of KUCO, Brown Ashira Olaly of KEHPHPU, Davji Atellah of KMPDU, Seth Panyako of KNUNM, Michael Ouma Odera of KUNAD, Kenneth Omog of KNUPT, and Odipo Nicholas of KNUMLO.
