Western Region UHC Workers Issue 14-Day Ultimatum, Threatening Hospital Shutdown

By Strillus Bellbut 

Western Region Universal Health Care (UHC) workers have given the government a 14-day ultimatum to secure permanent, pensionable positions, warning that failure to do so will result in a complete shutdown of hospital services across the counties.

Led by their representatives from Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega Counties, the healthcare workers gathered at Kakamega County General Hospital before marching in solidarity to Governor Fernandes Barasa's office to press for their demands.

Emmanuel Kibui, a UHC staff member based in Bungoma, stated that the inequitable employment terms date back to 2020. 

“We have been employed on contracts since then, while our permanently employed colleagues receive full salaries,” he said. “This is not only unfair but unsustainable for us.”

The protesters called on Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Mulongo, PS for Public Health Mary Muthoni, Ministry of Health PS Harry Kimtai, and all Western region governors, to explain why converting UHC staff into permanent, pensionable roles is impossible.

These workers expressed deep frustration over receiving only half the salary of their permanent counterparts despite performing the same duties. 

“We cannot afford rent, further our education, or meet our basic needs on these wages,” one protester explained. “We are giving President William Ruto and Health CS Deborah Mulongo an ultimatum: resolve this within 14 days, or we will shut down hospital services across the nation.”

The demonstrators vowed to remain united in their protest until every individual demand is met. They recalled their sacrifices during the COVID-19 crisis—when many risked their lives expecting that the country would honor its promises of support and recognition.

Protesters also highlighted broken promises: PS Muthoni had assured confirmation within a month, yet workers are now in their fifth year of contract employment. Similarly, former CS Susan Nakhumicha had promised that all healthcare workers would be confirmed within a year—a promise that has not been fulfilled.

Addressing President Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, the workers argued that the program cannot succeed without addressing the challenges faced by frontline healthcare staff. “Community Health Promoters (CHP) cannot work alone, pregnant women cannot safely deliver in our overburdened facilities, and the Social Health Authority (SHA) cannot function without us,” a representative stated.

In response, County Executive Committee Member for Public Service and Administration Dr. Bonface Okoth, together with Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. David Alilah, acknowledged the ongoing protests. 

“We are aware of the situation and are committed to addressing these issues. We plan to meet with governors and county health officials to find a lasting solution,” they said.