By:Betty Luke
Services in public health facilities across the country are set for a major paralysis following a nationwide strike by healthcare workers who are accusing county governments of failure to issue employment letters to staff under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The industrial action is set to begin on the midnight of July 20, 2026 following failed negotiations on the absorption of the healthcare workers whose contracts expired on June 30.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers National Chairperson Peterson Wachira said county governments had ignored repeated notices issued by the unions leaving them with one option, a prolonged strike.
“We issued a 21-day demand notice, followed by a 14-day strike notice, but the county governments failed to act. Because of neglect and inaction, health workers officially begin their strike from midnight,” he told journalists during a press briefing.
The official said that thousands of UHC workers were working without salaries, medical insurance or valid employment contracts, a failure he attributed to ‘neglect’ by the county governments.
He argued that while the national government had fulfilled its obligation by allocating funds, governors had failed to complete the transition.
“The president has done his part, and Parliament has allocated the money, but county governments have failed to act. It is becoming clear that managing the health workforce is a responsibility they are unable to carry,” Wachira added.
The health officials said the dispute was beyond employment, warning that it had become a threat to healthcare delivery nationwide.
Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists Secretary General Ronald Kodur said, “These were the heroes during Covid-19, but today they have no contracts, no salaries, and no health insurance. This is unfair and unacceptable.”
According to the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers Secretary General Pius Nyakundi, the issue had greatly affected healthcare services as the staff were no longer motivated to offer services.
“The issue is no longer about money. Parliament approved the funds, but county governments are delaying the process. We are withdrawing our services until UHC workers receive permanent and pensionable employment.”
The Ministry of Health had directed counties to absorb UHC workers after transferring payroll responsibility and Sh8.9 billion allocated in the 2026/27 national budget. However, unions insist many counties are yet to issue permanent appointment letters, warning the strike will continue until the workers are formally employed.
