Kenya health workers strike disrupts services, 7,450 UHC staff demand permanent and pensionable jobs

Public healthcare services remained disrupted across Kenya as health workers staged a nationwide strike in all 47 counties, demanding permanent and pensionable employment for about 7,450 workers hired under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. Footage from Nairobi shows healthcare workers marching through the city and gathering outside the Ministry of Health, carrying banners and calling for permanent jobs and improved working conditions. Union leaders said patients were bearing the consequences of delays in implementing the government's commitment to absorb UHC workers on permanent and pensionable terms. They noted that KES 8.9 billion had already been allocated for the transition but accused county governments of failing to implement the plan. Protesters rejected further meetings and policy memos, insisting they wanted appointment letters confirming permanent and pensionable employment. Healthcare workers also warned that the strike could compromise patient care, including laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging services. The affected workers were recruited under Kenya's Universal Health Coverage programme on fixed-term contracts. While the government maintains it is committed to placing them on permanent and pensionable terms, unions say the process has been delayed for years.