Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers deployed in Homabay, Siaya, and Meru counties have issued a strike notice threatening to down their tools from midnight Wednesday, July 1.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a series of notices obtained by Kenyans.co.ke , the workers cited unresolved employment terms and a delayed transition to permanent and pensionable (PnP) status despite orders from President William Ruto.

In letters addressed to County Secretaries and County Public Service Boards, the workers said they would not accept any extension of their current contracts, citing prolonged uncertainty about their employment status.

"We, the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff deployed in Homabay County, wish to formally notify the County Government of that we are issuing a 1-day notice. Thereafter, we shall down our tools and cease all UHC-related duties with effect from July 1 2026," read one of the notices addressed to Homabay County.

📌 What You Need to Know

The decision to down tools has been triggered by what the workers describe as prolonged uncertainty over their contracts, despite the county government being aware of their employment terms.

Among their demands are written communications from the county governments outlining the timelines and processes for the issuance of permanent and pensionable appointment letters , which they say were previously discussed but not finalised.

"We hereby request the County Government to communicate, in writing, the timeline and process for the issuance of our Permanent and Pensionable letters as previously discussed," the letter added.

The health workers have also rejected any proposals to extend their contract for a further contract term beyond the current contractual terms, which is set to expire by the end of the day Tuesday, June 30.

The move comes days after President Ruto ordered governors to absorb over 7,000 workers into permanent positions, beginning in July.

According to the Head of State, the government had already set aside Ksh8.9 billion in the 2026-2027 budget for this purpose, and that no single UHC worker will be left behind under the new directive.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke