In a formal notice dated Thursday, January 22, 2026, the workers notified the Nairobi Regional Police Commander of their intention to hold a demonstration on Tuesday, January 27, invoking their constitutional right to assemble and present grievances to relevant government offices.
The planned protest is aimed at pushing the national and county governments to fast-track the transition of UHC workers from contract-based engagements to permanent and pensionable employment, as previously agreed under intergovernmental frameworks.
Grievances Over Delayed Transition
According to the notice, the workers argue that despite repeated assurances from the government, thousands of UHC staff remain on temporary contracts more than five years after the programme was rolled out in 2020.
They say the delays have created uncertainty, financial instability, and diminished morale among frontline healthcare workers.
In addition to permanent employment, the workers are also demanding the payment of gratuities owed to them under a gazette notice issued in October 2020, which outlined compensation terms for contractual staff serving under the UHC programme.
“Pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution, this letter serves as formal notification of our intention to conduct a peaceful demonstration and picketing exercise scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, beginning at 8:30am,” the notice stated.
Planned Protest Route
Organisers revealed that demonstrators will assemble at the Green Park bus terminus before marching to several key government institutions to present their petitions.
In addition to permanent employment, the workers are also demanding the payment of gratuities owed to them under a gazette notice issued in October 2020, which outlined compensation terms for contractual staff serving under the UHC programme.
“Pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution, this letter serves as formal notification of our intention to conduct a peaceful demonstration and picketing exercise scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, beginning at 8:30am,” the notice stated.
Planned Protest Route
Organisers revealed that demonstrators will assemble at the Green Park bus terminus before marching to several key government institutions to present their petitions.
These include the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House, the Public Service Commission, the National Treasury, and finally the Council of Governors (CoG) offices.
The protest is expected to attract up to 1,000 participants, prompting organisers to request adequate police presence to ensure the demonstration proceeds peacefully and in line with the law.
Background of the Dispute
UHC workers have consistently pushed for job security since the programme’s inception, arguing that they perform essential healthcare duties similar to permanently employed staff but without comparable benefits or protections.
In September 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that over 7,000 UHC workers would be absorbed into permanent positions following a nationwide verification exercise.
The protest is expected to attract up to 1,000 participants, prompting organisers to request adequate police presence to ensure the demonstration proceeds peacefully and in line with the law.
Background of the Dispute
UHC workers have consistently pushed for job security since the programme’s inception, arguing that they perform essential healthcare duties similar to permanently employed staff but without comparable benefits or protections.
In September 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that over 7,000 UHC workers would be absorbed into permanent positions following a nationwide verification exercise.
The audit identified 7,414 eligible workers, while more than 200 individuals were flagged as ghost workers and removed from the payroll.
Despite the announcement, the transition process has been slow, with the government indicating that full implementation may spill over into the 2026/2027 financial year.
Despite the announcement, the transition process has been slow, with the government indicating that full implementation may spill over into the 2026/2027 financial year.
The delay has frustrated workers, prompting renewed pressure through industrial action.
Some counties, including Kirinyaga and Makueni, have already transitioned their UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms, further fuelling dissatisfaction among workers in counties where the process has stalled.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The planned demonstrations come at a delicate time for Kenya’s healthcare sector, which is currently grappling with ongoing protests by clinical officers that have lasted nearly a month.
Some counties, including Kirinyaga and Makueni, have already transitioned their UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms, further fuelling dissatisfaction among workers in counties where the process has stalled.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The planned demonstrations come at a delicate time for Kenya’s healthcare sector, which is currently grappling with ongoing protests by clinical officers that have lasted nearly a month.
The nurses’ union has also issued a strike notice, raising fears of widespread disruption to public health services.
Health sector unions have warned that continued delays in resolving employment disputes could worsen service delivery, particularly in public hospitals that rely heavily on UHC staff for primary healthcare services.
Health sector unions have warned that continued delays in resolving employment disputes could worsen service delivery, particularly in public hospitals that rely heavily on UHC staff for primary healthcare services.