UHC Staff Take Pay Grievance to Afya House as Contract Clock Ticks

Kenya, 27 January 2026 - Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers from western Kenya took their frustration to the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, demanding payment of long-overdue gratuities and clear answers about their future as their contracts near expiry.

The health workers, drawn from Kisumu, Homa Bay and Kakamega counties, gathered at Green Park Bus Terminus before marching to Afya House in Nairobi’s Upper Hill. Their protest was calm but firm, reflecting months of uncertainty over unpaid dues and stalled promises.

At the heart of their concern is time. With current contracts set to lapse in April, the workers say the lack of clarity from government risks disrupting essential health services and leaving thousands without jobs.

Alias Mutai, one of the demonstrators, said the protest was a reminder to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga that the workers would not quietly walk away from their demands.

“We will keep coming back every Tuesday if we have to,” Mutai said. “All we want is what we were promised — our gratuities and a permanent arrangement that secures our jobs.”

The group had formally notified police of the peaceful march and planned to extend their protest to other offices, including the National Treasury and the Council of Governors in Westlands, to submit their petition.