The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUN) has issued a stern warning to the Council of Governors (COG) over its opposition to converting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff to permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms, calling the council a “stumbling block” in the realization of health reforms.
In a press briefing held in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako condemned what he described as “reckless and unlawful” utterances by the Council of Governors, warning that the union will not tolerate further delays in implementing the new PnP contracts.
“We condemn the utterances of COG opposing the conversion of UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms. This is not just ill-advised, it is a direct sabotage of health sector reforms,” said Panyako.
The union’s push for permanent employment of UHC staff follows a commitment by the national government to absorb more than 20,000 healthcare workers under the UHC program into permanent roles, a move that had already received budgetary approval by Parliament.
Panyako revealed that part of the transition process had already been successfully implemented, including a staff verification exercise that eliminated over 250 ghost workers.
“The verification of staff was completed and has already led to the elimination of 250 individuals who could not be accounted for. The system is now clean, and we expect action,” he stated.
The union now accuses the Council of Governors of attempting to delay the process and intimidate UHC staff through unlawful directives.
“COG has consistently called for unlawful disciplinary actions against UHC staff who engage in lawful industrial action. Their posture is anti-worker and anti-UHC,” said Panyako.
The KNUN boss insisted that the transition to PnP is not within the purview of the counties, but rather a national government mandate under the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Health.
“Converting UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms is the mandate of the national government. The Council of Governors has no legal standing to stop this process,” he argued.
Citing Article 31 of the Constitution, Panyako warned that any further delays in finalizing the contracts would amount to a violation of the healthcare workers’ right to dignity and fair labor practices.
“This prolonged tussle is not only unnecessary but is a violation of the Constitution. We will not accept any more delays by any stakeholder,” he emphasized.
In a sharp ultimatum, the union threatened mass action should the governors fail to comply.
“We are giving fair warning: If the Council of Governors fails to implement the new contracts, we shall camp at their headquarters, and no work will happen. That is a promise,” said Panyako.
He called on the Ministry of Health to move swiftly and assert its mandate in transitioning UHC staff to secure employment terms.
“We urge the Ministry of Health to move with urgency and complete this transition. Healthcare workers deserve job security and dignity,” he said.
The union’s remarks come at a critical time for the UHC rollout, which has been plagued by political wrangles between the national and county governments, even as frontline healthcare workers continue to bear the brunt of understaffing, wage delays, and job insecurity.
