Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) National Chair Peterson Wachira says the continued delay in absorbing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers is no longer due to a lack of funds, but disagreements over how the money should be channelled to counties.
Speaking on Radio Generation, Wachira said the government has already allocated Sh8.9 billion for the absorption of UHC staff, alongside Sh116 million under the Global Fund, but the process remains stalled.
He said counties initially cited a lack of funds as the reason for failing to employ the workers, but the challenge has now shifted to the method of disbursement.
"Now that we have the money, they are saying the problem is how it is being brought down to them," Wachira said on Monday.
He explained that governors prefer the funds to be included in the equitable share allocation, arguing that it would provide a more reliable and continuous source of funding compared to conditional grants, which may be delayed.
"The governors are saying that if you are going to bring this money down to us through a conditional grant, a conditional grant is usually shorter. In a conditional grant, it is not a must that you are given immediately. You can be given six months later,” he explained.
Wachira said the uncertainty over funding had left some UHC workers at risk of missing their July salaries and losing medical cover, prompting KUCO to issue a demand notice to the Council of Governors, the Ministry of Health, Parliament, the Treasury and the Ministry of Labour.
"Our guys were going to miss their July salaries. They did not have medical cover, and that is why we came out and issued a demand notice," he said.
He credited Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale for helping secure funding for healthcare workers under the national government, but said those employed through counties continue to face challenges.
"Those at the national level, where the CS has authority, were absorbed alongside the Global Fund programme. It is those under counties who are suffering," Wachira said.
"That is why I'm saying I understand the issues on how you avail the money to the counties, but once you have an agreement, because they had an agreement on the table. Why would it be difficult for them to issue the letters and accept payroll? Because payroll was sent to the counties and was rejected."
Wachira said resolving the issue requires a clear agreement between the national and county governments on how UHC workers will be funded and permanently absorbed.