The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transition Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers from the national payroll to county government payrolls on permanent and pensionable terms.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 6, 2026, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale assured UHC workers, county governments, health sector stakeholders, and the public that the transition remains on course.

The move follows the government’s decision to absorb UHC workers into county public service with effect from July 1, 2026.

“The government remains fully committed to the seamless transition of UHC workers from the national payroll to county government payrolls on permanent and pensionable terms of service,” Duale said.

He noted that the workers’ contracts had been extended to June 30, 2026, to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services as administrative and financial arrangements for the transition were finalised.

This comes as UHC workers issued a strike notice over the government’s failure to honour its promise to absorb them on a permanent basis.

Transition process

According to the Ministry of Health, the transition is being implemented in collaboration with the Public Service Commission, the Council of Governors, the National Treasury, the Commission for Revenue Allocation and other government agencies.

Duale said the Multi-Agency Committee overseeing the process had made significant progress, including moving funding for the workers from the County Governments Additional Allocation framework to the Division of Revenue Act.

The ministry said the change is intended to facilitate a smooth transfer of payroll responsibilities to county governments.

It added that UHC workers will receive salaries and allowances in line with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission scales applicable to county employees.

“The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Council of Governors, the National Treasury, the Public Service Commission, the Commission for Revenue Allocation and other stakeholders to ensure the process is completed expeditiously,” the statement said.

Duale urged UHC workers to continue providing healthcare services as the transition process continues.

County concerns

The government’s reassurance comes amid concerns raised by county governments over the implementation of the transition.

The Council of Governors has called for the settlement of gratuity payments, completion of the staff verification exercise and confirmation of funding before workers are fully transferred to county payrolls.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the Council of Governors Health Committee, has previously said counties require adequate financial resources to implement the transition under Salaries and Remuneration Commission guidelines. The Ministry of Health said 7,414 UHC workers have so far been verified for transition.

It added that staff in active service will be absorbed, while cases involving disciplinary matters will be reviewed by the Public Service Commission in accordance with public service procedures.

Health workforce

The reaffirmation comes days after the Ministry of Health launched the 2026/27 health internship programme.

On June 29, 2026 , Duale presided over the posting of 6,360 health interns to various health facilities across the country under a programme supported by Ksh9.365 billion.

The interns include medical officers, pharmacists, nurses, clinical officers and other healthcare professionals expected to strengthen service delivery.

During the event, Duale told the interns: “The future of Kenya’s healthcare system rests in your hands. We must serve with courage… and uphold the values of professionalism.”

The Ministry said the absorption of UHC workers and deployment of health interns form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services and support the implementation of Universal Health Coverage across the country.