A total of 7,414 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers will be absorbed into permanent and pensionable terms starting September 2025.

The move comes after a nationwide headcount exercise carried out by the State Department for Medical Services in partnership with the Council of Governors (CoG).

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale revealed that 7,629 health workers had been verified during the exercise. However, 215 individuals failed to present themselves and were flagged as either ghost workers or unqualified personnel. Their salaries have since been stopped pending further investigations.

“Of the 7,629 staff verified, 215 did not present themselves. They were identified as either non-existent or unqualified health professionals. Their salaries have been stopped, and they have been removed from the payroll pending investigations to prosecute, determine, and recover the irregular payments,” Duale said.

He added that the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorised into two groups, namely those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues.

“Consequently, the remaining 7,414 staff will be categorised into two groups: those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues. Staff in active service will be formally transitioned and absorbed with effect from September 2025. UHC Staff members absent from duty or having disciplinary issues, will not be absorbed,” he announced.

He explained that the cases will be reviewed in consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC), in line with PSC Regulations 2020 on Human Resource, which provides for separation, removal from the payroll, and other disciplinary measures.

He pledged to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the absorption process while safeguarding the rights of eligible officers.

“This process underscores the unwavering commitment to reforms in the health sector, efficient management of public resources, and realization of the Government’s pledge to achieve Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans”, he added.

The medics recently went on strike to demand permanent employment.