Healthcare workers across Kenya, representing various unions and associations, have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, threatening a nationwide strike unless their demands are addressed. This announcement coincides with the ongoing 95-day strike by Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, who continue to protest against unresolved employment and welfare issues. Additionally, recent incidents of police brutality during peaceful demonstrations in Nairobi have intensified tensions within the healthcare sector.

The Health Sector Caucus has formally communicated to the government, urging immediate action to resolve the crisis stemming from the prolonged UHC workers’ strike. The unions have outlined their “irreducible minimums,” including timely salary payments, provision of medical insurance, and remittance of statutory deductions, which have reportedly been withheld in nearly 40 counties. Failure to meet these demands will compel healthcare workers to down tools, affecting services nationwide.

In response to the escalating situation, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has pledged to transition UHC staff with over five years of service to permanent and pensionable terms. This move aims to address the concerns of the striking workers and restore normalcy in the healthcare sector.

The government faces mounting pressure to resolve these issues promptly to prevent further disruption to healthcare services and to uphold the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals.