馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
KEHPHPU criticizes governors over delays in absorbing UHC health workers
via Tuko2 min read
The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union KEHPHPU has strongly criticized the Council of Governors CoG for allegedly delaying the absorption of Universal Health Coverage UHC healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable employment. KEHPHPU Secretary General and CEO Brown Ashira condemned remarks by CoG Finance Committee Chairperson and Kakamega governor, Fernandes Barasa, regarding a lack of funds. Ashira accused governors of undermining commitments by national and county governments to transition 7,414 UHC healthcare workers. The union states the dispute arises from the CoG's proposal to shift UHC funds from conditional grants to county equitable share allocations, which KEHPHPU believes could delay payroll absorption and leave thousands without contracts, salaries, or pension security. UHC workers have served under difficult conditions since the COVID-19 pandemic, facing delayed gratuity and job insecurity. KEHPHPU demands immediate absorption of all active UHC healthcare workers, rejection of further contract extensions, and prompt release of funds. The union warned of nationwide industrial action if commitments are not honored, stating, "We will not retreat, compromise, or negotiate on the dignity of our workers," and that failure to implement the agreement could paralyze public health services.
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