‘I Will Champion For Your Cause!’ – Sifuna Tells UHC Members After Neglect By The Gov’t
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has urged the government to turn Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers into permanent employment.
The Senator encouraged the State to fully implement the 2017 Return to Work Agreement, including the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommendations announced in December 2024.
Speaking in Migori on Friday during Nurses Week celebrations, Sifuna stated that he would continue to advocate for nurses’ and healthcare workers’ rights.
“Knowing the critical role they play, I will continue to champion their causes,” he said.
Celebrating Nurse’s week in Migori this morning. We continue to ask the government to ensure Absorption of UHC Staff, Implementation of 2017 Return to Work Agreement and Implementation of the SRC salary approval of December 2024. Knowing the critical role they play I will… pic.twitter.com/uvm1lfRb4M
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) May 16, 2025
His comments follow a peaceful demonstration by UHC workers in Nairobi on May 13.
The workers staged a sit-in outside Afya House, the Ministry of Health headquarters, seeking permanent employment, payment of outstanding gratuities, and harmonized salary.
Hundreds of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers took to the streets of Nairobi on May 13, 2025, in a peaceful protest, demanding permanent employment, payment of outstanding gratuities, and salary equalization. pic.twitter.com/82OJYNsoLc
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) May 13, 2025
The health workers want the government to settle their five-year gratuity payments, and remit mandatory deductions such as NSSF.
Additionally, submit a written response to their requests before their payroll is moved to county governments on July 1, 2025.
They also demanded a stop to what they termed as harassment and intimidation by certain county chiefs.
“We have been patient for far too long,” said one protester. “Our contracts are renewed late; some of us have worked for over five years but have no job security. We deserve better.”
The employees’ dissatisfaction dates back several months. In March, they marched to Parliament twice seeking Senate involvement.
"UHC Promise? We Are Fed Up!"
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 13, 2025
Over 8,500 Universal Health Care workers have threatened to continue with their strike, paralysing healthcare across various public facilities until they are all employed under permanent and pensionable terms.#NTVTonight @jamessmat @hellenaura1 pic.twitter.com/i0zFpCxNJe
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In early April, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale vowed to resolve their issues within three weeks. Two months later, the workers say they are still waiting.
The workers are also urging the government to honour the 2017 Return to Work Agreement reached with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to end a crippling doctors’ strike.
The agreement included provisions for salary reviews, improved working conditions, and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
It also called for the withdrawal of disciplinary action against striking doctors.
‘I Will Champion For Your Cause!’ – Sifuna Tells UHC Members After Neglect By The Gov’t
