UHC workers set to protest over delayed gratuities

UHC workers during demonstrations/ FILE

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers have announced plans for a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi next week, urging government action on delayed gratuity payments and the formal transition of healthcare staff employed under the UHC programme.

The workers say that despite agreements reached during an intergovernmental summit in December 2025, key government agencies have not implemented a framework to transition staff currently engaged under the programme.

They add that the delay has created uncertainty about their employment status, leaving many frontline health workers frustrated and anxious about their future.

The workers are also calling for the immediate payment of gratuities owed to them, in line with Gazette Notice No. 8091 dated October 12, 2020, which outlines the terms of service for employees engaged under the UHC initiative.

“We have been waiting for months, yet there is no clarity on when the promised transition will take place, and our gratuities remain unpaid,” said Desmond Wafula, the UHC chairperson, in a written strike notice.

“We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours.”

Wafula said about 1,000 healthcare workers are expected to participate in the demonstration, scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Participants will assemble at Green Park Bus Terminus before proceeding to government offices to present their petition.

The offices include Afya House, the Public Service Commission, the National Treasury offices along Harambee Avenue, and the Council of Governors at Delta House in Westlands.

The workers described the protest as intended to be peaceful and focused on urging government action.

They emphasised that the demonstration is not aimed at disrupting public services but is intended to highlight challenges affecting healthcare staff and, ultimately, the implementation of UHC in Kenya.

UHC staff have formally notified the Nairobi Regional Police Commander of their planned protest and requested adequate security to ensure the demonstration remains orderly.

The notice was also copied to several Nairobi police stations, including Central, Parliament, and Upper Hill stations. “They brought the letter, and it is being looked into for better planning on what they want,” said Nairobi police boss George Seda.