Health Ministry to Absorb Verified UHC Staff, Removes Ghost Workers

Health Cabinet Secretary in a past event/ X: DUALE

Ministry of Health has announced that verified Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff will be formally absorbed into the public service beginning September 2025, following a comprehensive verification exercise conducted in collaboration with the Council of Governors (COG).

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the exercise audited 7,629 staff and identified 215 individuals who were either non-existent or not qualified health professionals.

“These staff members have had their salaries stopped and will be removed from the payroll pending further investigations to determine and recover irregular payments,” Duale said.

The remaining 7,414 staff will be grouped into those currently in active service and those with pending disciplinary issues. Only staff in active service will be absorbed into the public service.

“UHC staff members absent from duty or with disciplinary issues will not be absorbed. Their cases will be reviewed in consultation with the Public Service Commission, in line with PSC regulations,” he added.

Duale emphasized the government’s commitment to fairness, accountability and transparency throughout the absorption process.

“This process underscores our resolve to safeguard the rights of eligible officers while ensuring efficient management of public resources,” he said.

He further noted that the exercise aligns with broader reforms in the health sector and the goal of delivering quality health services under UHC.

“Strengthening human resources for health is central to achieving UHC and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare,” Duale added, reaffirming the government’s pledge to maintain efficiency and integrity in public service.