HEALTH UNIONS ISSUE ULTIMATUM OVER UHC, GLOBAL FUND WORKERS AS CONTRACT DEADLINE LOOMS

Chairperson Health Union Caucus  Peterson Wachira Speaking during Press briefing

By Bruno Aero Family Media Health Correspondance

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 15, 2026 – Kenya's health sector is facing the prospect of widespread industrial action after a coalition of major health workers' unions issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate absorption of thousands of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund workers into permanent and pensionable employment terms before the end of June.

The Health Union Caucus, bringing together seven key healthcare unions, warned that failure by the government to honor commitments made to UHC and Global Fund employees would trigger nationwide protests and industrial action beginning July 1, 2026.

The caucus, which comprises the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT), and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), convened an urgent meeting to address what they described as continued injustices against healthcare workers serving under temporary contracts.

Anxiety Mounts as Contract Expiry Nears

According to the unions, healthcare workers employed under the UHC programme and Global Fund initiatives are facing growing uncertainty with only two weeks remaining before the expiry of their current contracts.

The unions said thousands of workers who have dedicated years to strengthening Kenya's healthcare system continue to operate under precarious employment arrangements despite repeated assurances that they would be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms.

The delay in issuing appointment letters has reportedly left many healthcare workers and their families in a state of anxiety and frustration.

"Healthcare workers are experiencing heightened anxiety and frustration, having waited for the issuance of permanent and pensionable appointment letters, which to date have not been released," the caucus said in a joint statement. "This uncertainty has caused immense distress among the affected workers and their families."

The unions argue that the affected employees have played a critical role in expanding healthcare access across the country, particularly in underserved areas, and deserve job security and fair employment conditions.

Budget Allocation Welcomed But Viewed as Temporary Relief

The caucus acknowledged Parliament's approval of Ksh8.9 billion in the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates for payment of UHC workers' salaries under conditional grants.

However, union leaders maintained that the allocation merely postpones the problem rather than solving it.

While welcoming the funding as recognition of the importance of UHC workers, the unions argued that annual conditional grants expose healthcare workers to recurring uncertainty and undermine efforts to build a stable health workforce.

The health workers' representatives insist that the financing mechanism should be restructured through the equitable share framework, ensuring counties receive sustainable and predictable funding to absorb workers permanently.

According to the unions, such a move would eliminate the annual cycle of contract renewals and provide healthcare professionals with the security necessary to effectively serve patients.

Key Demands to Government

The Health Union Caucus outlined three primary demands aimed at securing the future of UHC and Global Fund workers.

First, the unions are demanding the immediate absorption of all UHC and Global Fund staff into permanent and pensionable terms and the issuance of appointment letters no later than June 30, 2026.

Secondly, they are calling on Parliament to ensure that the funds allocated for UHC and Global Fund workers are provided through the equitable share framework rather than annual conditional grants.

The unions contend that this approach would provide a lasting solution to employment insecurity while strengthening county health systems.

Thirdly, the caucus wants to be actively involved in all discussions and engagements concerning the transition process to ensure transparency and accountability.

Threat of Nationwide Industrial Action

In a move that could significantly disrupt healthcare services across the country, the unions warned that failure to address their demands would leave them with no option but to initiate industrial action.

The caucus announced plans to mobilize members across all participating unions to down their tools beginning July 1 if the government fails to complete the transition process.

Additionally, union leaders vowed to organize sustained demonstrations at both the National Assembly and the Senate.

The planned protests would see healthcare workers camp outside Parliament until lawmakers allocate the necessary resources through the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) and provide a permanent funding solution.

The threat comes at a time when Kenya is implementing major health sector reforms under the Universal Health Coverage agenda, making any disruption potentially significant for healthcare delivery nationwide.

Appeal to President Ruto

The unions have directly appealed to President William Samoei Ruto to personally intervene and ensure that the employment status of UHC and Global Fund workers is resolved.

They argued that securing the jobs of frontline healthcare workers is essential to the success of the government's healthcare transformation agenda and the realization of Universal Health Coverage.

The caucus further linked the absorption of the workers to the achievement of the government's broader health objectives, noting that a motivated and secure workforce remains central to delivering quality healthcare services to Kenyans.

Call for Collaborative Solution

Despite the tough stance, the unions emphasized that they remain committed to constructive dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders.

They called on the National Assembly, Senate, National Treasury, the Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors to urgently work together to develop a lasting solution to the employment challenges facing UHC and Global Fund workers.

The Health Union Caucus maintained that resolving the issue would not only safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of healthcare professionals but also strengthen Kenya's healthcare system and improve service delivery to millions of citizens.

The statement was signed by Health Union Caucus Chairperson Peterson M. Wachira alongside senior leaders from the seven participating unions, including George M. Gibore (KUCO), Brown Ashira Olaly (KEHPHPU), Davji Atella (KMPDU), Odipo Nicholas (KNUMLO), Seth Panyako (KNUNM), Michael Ouma Odera (KUNAD), and Kenneth Omog (KNUPT).

As the June 30 deadline approaches, attention now shifts to the government and Parliament, whose response could determine whether the country faces another major healthcare workers' strike or achieves a long-awaited breakthrough in securing the future of thousands of frontline health professionals.