Thousands of healthcare workers serving under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme have officially secured permanent and pensionable employment under county governments following the completion of a long-awaited payroll transition.
In a statement issued on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that the transition took effect on July 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce.
Under the new arrangement, UHC workers have been absorbed into the county public service, with their salaries and allowances aligned to remuneration structures approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
“UHC workers have now been absorbed into the public service on permanent and pensionable terms, with their remuneration aligned to SRC-approved pay structures,” Duale said.
The transition follows the government’s decision to move UHC workers from the national payroll to county government payrolls after the Public Service Commission extended their contracts to June 30, 2026, to allow administrative and financial arrangements to be completed.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the transition has progressed under the supervision of a Multi-Agency Committee, with ongoing reforms to shift funding from the County Governments Additional Allocation (CGAA) framework to the Division of Revenue Act (DORA), paving the way for counties to assume payroll responsibilities.
The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Council of Governors, the Public Service Commission, the National Treasury, the Commission for Revenue Allocation and county governments to ensure the remaining transition processes are completed without disrupting healthcare services.
Duale commended UHC workers for their dedication and professionalism throughout the transition period and urged them to continue providing quality healthcare services across the country.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to delivering Universal Health Coverage while safeguarding the welfare of the health workforce,” he said.
The transition is expected to provide greater job security and improve employment conditions for thousands of healthcare workers while strengthening the delivery of public healthcare services across Kenya.
