Permanent UHC Jobs Signal Hope for Kenya’s Healthcare Crisis

Their frustration highlighted a major issue: a flagship initiative relied on an insecure workforce. This policy goes beyond employment; it signals maturity and recognizes that stable, fairly paid professionals are essential for delivering accessible healthcare. Permanent terms offer dignity, predictability, and motivation, directly enhancing service.

The removal of 215 unverified workers exposes ongoing payroll fraud and highlights the need for scrutiny. The government’s pledge to recover illicit payments marks progress for accountability. This announcement also comes amid public outcry over the Social Health Authority (SHA) allegedly funding ghost hospitals.

SHA defends its payments as legitimate, stating the 19.9 million shilling disbursement was for a real facility in Homa Bay, but public skepticism remains. Together, these developments suggest Kenya’s healthcare system is at a crossroads. Securing jobs and streamlining payrolls are positive steps, but concerns about fraud and inefficiency persist.

Delegating payroll to county governments by July 2025 will be the real test; counties must ensure timely payment and worker motivation. Their handling will determine the future of UHC. For now, the permanent hiring offers stability in a turbulent sector, but unless ghost workers and dubious payments are addressed, progress may stall.