KUCO boss explains next step before UHC staff are employed permanently
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 11, 2025The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has confirmed that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into the Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) establishment once the ongoing verification process is complete, a process expected to conclude before the end of August 2025.
This announcement came after KUCO National Chairman Peterson Wachira held a meeting with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday, August 11, 2025. The union officials paid a courtesy call to the CS to address key matters affecting clinical officers and to strengthen collaboration between KUCO and the Ministry of Health in accelerating the implementation of UHC through effective primary healthcare services.
“They discussed matters affecting clinical officers and collaboration between KUCO and the Ministry of Health to fast-track implementation of universal health coverage through effective primary healthcare services.” He added.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its plan to complete verification of UHC staff and transition them to PnP terms within the set timeframe.
“The CS reiterated his commitment to onboard UHC staff onto the PnP establishment once verification is done, which is expected to be done before the end of August.” Wachira stated.
Labour migration
The ministry also expressed commitment to ensure the inclusion of clinical officers in bilateral labour migration agreements, finalise the pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and address other pressing concerns raised by the union.
“The CS also committed to pursuing inclusion of clinical officers in bilateral agreements on labour migration and finalisation of a collective bargaining agreement, among other matters.” He added.
KUCO welcomed the ministry’s pledge, commending the cabinet secretary for taking deliberate measures aimed at improving healthcare service delivery and tackling corruption in the health sector.
The union emphasised that the absorption of UHC staff into PnP terms will strengthen the workforce and support the sustainability of healthcare reforms under the UHC agenda.
This meeting by the union leaders comes days after the Clinical Officers Council announced an end to double licensing, where now hospitals registered under the council do not need to acquire another license from KMPDC for them to be listed under the social health authority as it was in the past.