Bungoma County Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, who were employed on contract during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, are up in arms demanding to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms by the County Government of Bungoma.
Led by Emmanuel Kilui, the more than 200 UHC staff lamented that the government has been playing a game of hide and seek with them. Initially, their contracts were to end in 2023 but were extended by one year as the government planned to absorb them into permanent roles — a promise that has yet to materialize.
Kilui added that they are also demanding gratuity from the government, stating that they have worked under strenuous conditions without receiving any allowances during their tenure.
He emphasized that the healthcare system has been heavily reliant on their services, which they have continued to offer without fail. He asserted that they are not ready to return to work until their issues are addressed amicably.
His sentiments were echoed by Elias Mutai, who noted that the government had previously allocated funds in the budget to employ UHC staff on permanent and pensionable terms, but nothing has come of it.
Mutai said that the Bungoma County Government requires only KSh 270 million to permanently employ them, stressing that UHC is one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza government and must be implemented.
He further added that the 8,571 UHC staff across Kenya should be absorbed into the 2025/2026 budget, warning that priorities might shift in the coming financial year.
Mutai disclosed that a major demonstration is scheduled for the 28th in Nairobi, urging Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to be prepared to address their concerns.
