30/09/2025

HEALTH UNION CAUCUS DEMANDS URGENT ACTION ON UHC/GLOBAL FUND/CHERP WORKER ABSORPTION AND KIAMBU COUNTY ISSUES

We, the Health Union Caucus representing; Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), Kenya Environment Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHU), Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT) and Kenya Health Professional Society (KHPS) convened a crucial meeting to address the ongoing injustices faced by healthcare workers, particularly concerning the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff and persistent county government interference with Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines.

On the Issues Facing UHC Workers:
• Whereas the MoH has harmonized the salaries of UHC workers as per the SRC terms, the county governments have failed to issue UHC workers with permanent and pensionable letters despite funds being provided.
• The Council of Governors continues to issue directives to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to withdraw career guidelines for health workers, citing financial implications, thereby undermining the PSC’s mandate and hindering career progression.
• Full implementation of SRC-reviewed remuneration structures (third and fourth cycles) and settlement of all arrears remain outstanding.
On the Issues Facing Kiambu County Health Workers:
• Failure to implement SRC salary guidelines: the county government of Kiambu has unlawfully refused to implement the approved salary regulations.
• Delayed Salaries and Lack of Promotions: Health workers in Kiambu County continue to experience delayed salaries and a complete lack of promotions.
• Inadequate Medical Cover: The county’s medical cover for health workers is deemed ineffective, with instances of critically ill doctors requiring external fundraising for treatment.
• Unilateral Stoppage of Union Deductions: The Kiambu County government has unilaterally stopped union deductions hence violating labour laws.
• Victimization and Transfers: Vocal union members in Kiambu County have faced victimization, including arbitrary transfers, as a tactic to suppress union activities. They have also refused to sign a non-victimization clause.
• Labour Lockout: The county government has adopted a “labour lockout” approach, refusing to engage with unions despite valid grievances, setting a dangerous precedent for other counties.
In light of the above issues, we therefore demand as follows:
• Immediate absorption of all UHC/Global Fund/CHERP healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable terms with full back pay by the respective county governments.
• Full implementation of SRC – reviewed remuneration structure.
• Payment of all withheld salaries and remittance of statutory and third-party deductions in Kiambu County.
• Regularization of all punitive, exploitative and irregular county contracts.
• Centralized negotiation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Investigation by the National Assembly and Senate into county mistreatment of healthcare workers in Kiambu.
• Immediate re-instatement of union deductions and signing of a non-victimization clause in Kiambu County.
We therefore categorically state that failure to address these demands within the next seven (7) days will result in a joint industrial action.