By Eunice Mwathi
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has refuted claims of contradictory messaging regarding reforms to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workforce, asserting that recent statements from top officials are fully aligned.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, clarified that both the Cabinet Secretary’s public statement and a letter from his office are consistent and mutually supportive. The controversy stemmed from a Daily Nation article that suggested mixed signals were being sent about the future of UHC workers.
“The Cabinet Secretary’s statement addressed the conversion of UHC workers from temporary contracts to permanent and pensionable terms,” Dr. Oluga explained. “Separately, the letter from my office to the Council of Governors CEO focused on verifying which staff are on duty for payroll cleansing purposes.”
According to Dr. Oluga, the payroll verification is a routine, legally mandated process designed to protect public funds. He noted that this exercise was collectively agreed upon during a meeting with all County Executive Committee Members for Health on August 21, 2025.
The PS emphasized that the initiative’s goal is not to remove workers but to ensure that only legitimate staff are paid and successfully transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms. This transition is slated to begin in September 2025.
“Our primary motivation is to account for every shilling and ensure every legitimate worker on duty is paid and secured under permanent terms,” Dr. Oluga stated.
He also urged the media to maintain professional standards through accurate and responsible reporting.
Dr. Oluga concluded that the Ministry remains committed to strengthening the health workforce a core pillar of Taifa Care while safeguarding public resources through accountability and transparency.
