Muthomi Njuki: Why governors declined proposal to transfer UHC staff payroll to counties

Speaking during a Citizen TV interview, Njuki highlighted that the scheme was part of the government's efforts to resolve the long-standing grievances relating to the healthcare workers. 

He noted that while the plan is feasible since health is a devolved function, the governors insisted that the national government must provide the necessary funds before they can agree to the proposal. 

"We had a meeting with the CS and the PS and they were very convincing that we needed to transfer the staff payroll management to the counties to continue managing them," Njuki noted. 

"However, it is important to report that when we had the full council meeting, this idea was rejected by the Council of Governors. After we spoke, the CS and PS were in public domain, saying they don't have the funds to pay the gratuity for the healthcare workers and also upscale them to permanent and pensionable terms."

"Where are we supposed to generate the money from? We shall only accept once the funds are provided."

During the interview, Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary, Medical Services, reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the issues surrounding the staff to provide quality healthcare services across the world. 

"We are very keen to make sure that all health workers are treated equally. I don’t think we have ever abandoned any call to advance the cause for health workers. We are very clear in terms of reconciling the contracts of these workers." 

The remarks come as UHC workers continue to stage daily protests, demanding that their contracts be confirmed as permanent and pensionable.

In response, Health CS Aden Duale assured that the government is committed to resolving the dispute, pledging to pursue consultative solutions that prioritize the welfare of healthcare professionals.