Kipiriri MP calls for urgent action on the delay in absorption of health workers under Universal Health Coverage

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Kipipiri MP, Hon. Wanjiku Muhia has called for the House to adjorn to urgently address delays in the absorption of healthcare workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. 

"In May and June 2020, 8571 healthcare professionals were recruited on a three-year contract under the UHC programme. Majority of these officers were deployed to county facilities, while a small number was posted to national government facilities," stated Hon. Muhia 

Speaking in National Assembly, Hon. Wanjiku Muhia highlighted in 2023, their contracts were renewed for another three years. However, while health workers under the national government retained their original terms, those in county governments had their salaries slashed by 50%, contrary to the constitutional principle of equal pay for equal work.

"This is contrary to established labour practice of "equal pay for equal work" and falls short of the expectations of fair labour principles as enshrined in Article 41 of the Constitution," stated Hon. Muhia

Hon. Muhia, "It is unfair and unconstitutional for workers performing the same duties under the UHC programme to receive drastically different salaries."

Additionally, the lawmaker noted that the renewed contracts were given by county governments and the salary for these officers is paid by the Ministry of Health.

The Kipipiri legislator also raised concerns over delays in transitioning the health workers to permanent and pensionable terms, despite a 2023 commitment by the national government. In October 2024, only 110 health workers under the national government were absorbed into permanent terms, while those under county governments remained on contract.

"In October 2023, the Ministry of Health assured the UHC staff that they would be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms, yet only a fraction has been absorbed. The rest continue to serve on contract," said Hon. Wanjiku Muhia.

"It is against this background that I seek leave for the adjournment of the House to discuss this matter of great national concern with a view to exploring possible and lasting solutions," added Hon. Muhia 

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang'ula ruled that the matter would be discussed this evening from 8.00pm.