Ministry of Health to transfer UHC staff payroll to counties from July

The Ministry of Health has announced that County Governments will take over the management of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff payroll starting July 1, 2025.

In a joint statement released after a consultative meeting with the Council of Governors and officials from key health unions on Tuesday, the ministry said the transfer will include the budget for payment of stipends under the current terms during the transition period.

The meeting was chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, and attended by leaders from the Kenya National Union of Nurses & Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, and the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union.

The parties also resolved that county governments will receive additional funding before the expiry of the current UHC contracts to facilitate full absorption of the staff into permanent and pensionable terms.

“The Ministry of Health shall transfer the management of UHC staff payroll to counties effective 1st July, 2025 with attendant budget for payment of stipend under the current terms in the interim,” read a statement jointly signed by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga and CoG CEO Mary Mwiti.

“County governments will be provided with additional funds before the expiry of the current UHC contracts for purposes of full absorption to permanent and pensionable terms.”

In addition, the ministry said service gratuity payments will be considered after the absorption process is concluded.

All UHC staff currently out of duty have been directed to resume work immediately, and not later than May 7, 2025.