Duale hails healthcare workers, reaffirms UHC commitment in Labour Day message
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 1, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has released a Labour Day statement commending the Kenyan health workforce for their daily work, which he says is the foundation of a healthier and more productive society.
Taking it to his X handle on Friday, May 1, 2026, Duale has said in his Labour Day message that doctors, nurses, clinical officers, laboratory technicians, community health promoters and all other health support staff continue to put their lives at risk to protect the health of millions of Kenyans, despite difficult working conditions.
“We honour the service of our health-care workers and all those whose daily actions protect the health of our nation. Their work is critical to a healthier and more productive society,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya’s health system could not function without the dedication of the frontline workers, who often work under strain, especially in public health facilities where resources are limited and demand is increasing.
He said their hard work and dedication are vital to maintaining critical health services, particularly in rural and other areas where access to health services is not equal.
His call comes as the government is contending with staffing shortages, industrial relations in some counties, and other reforms in the health sector to enhance service delivery.
Universal Health Coverage agenda
Duale also took the opportunity to reiterate the government’s commitment to promote the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, one of the key social development programmes in the country.
He said the UHC agenda is about ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of where they live and their financial status, have access to quality and affordable health services without experiencing financial burden.
“We renew our commitment to pursue the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda to guarantee all Kenyans’ access to quality and affordable health services,” he said.
In recent years, the Ministry of Health has implemented reforms such as electronic health systems, expansion of primary health care and reforms of national health insurance schemes to support UHC efforts.
Labour Day reflection
Duale has wished a happy Labour Day to all Kenyan workers, recognising the role of workers in various economic sectors. He reminded Kenyans that our progress depends on the sacrifice, skills and effort of formal and informal workers.
“All Kenyans, Happy Labour Day,” he said.
His message comes as debates continue about the conditions of work in the health sector, as well as demands for better staffing, pay and county-level health systems.
As the government advances UHC, the importance of health workers is critical, not only as the frontline service delivery workforce but also as a key constituency for a more inclusive and responsive health system.
Civil servants’ new SHA rules
Duale’s sentiments have come at a time when civil servants, including healthcare workers, have raised the alarm over changes to their medical cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The Union of Kenyan Civil Servants protested on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, claiming the authority capped outpatient services at Ksh2,500 per visit.
“SHA has limited the outpatient scheme to Ksh2,500, which basically means that we as civil servants are not insured because Ksh2,500 is merely a consultation fee,” he said.
“We are warning SHA that we will take legal action against them if they continue acting without consultation. We are surprised that SHA has not differentiated between the universal health coverage and our scheme.”
The union wants the full restoration of the previous medical benefits for public officers. It argues that the changes go against the terms agreed earlier.
The dispute follows SHA’s announcement on Monday, 13 April 2026. The authority rolled out new tariffs for the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) after talks with Level 5 and Level 6 hospitals.