Kenya Health Workers Issue Strike Notice to CS Aden Duale
Newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale faces immediate challenges, as Universal Health Care (UHC) workers issue a strike notice.
Despite congratulatory messages, they remain firm in their demand for five years of unpaid gratuity.
The 8,571 UHC workers plan a nationwide strike on Tuesday, April 1st. They’ve stated they will peacefully march to key government offices, including the Ministry of Health and Parliament, to press their demands.
“Congratulations, Aden Duale. On Tuesday, the 8571 UHC will be in Nairobi just to pick up our Confirmation letters. We will also be happy to receive Our Gratuity for 5 years,” the UHC workers said in a tweet.
Peterson Wachira, Health Sector Caucus Chairperson, confirmed the peaceful procession. The workers demand permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms, gratuity payments, and remittance of statutory deductions.
Duale inherits a troubled sector. His predecessor, Deborah Barasa, left behind a ministry grappling with funding shortages, frequent strikes, and the problematic Social Health Authority (SHA). The withdrawal of US foreign aid for HIV/AIDS patients further complicates matters.
Kenya’s healthcare system faces significant hurdles. Inadequate funding impedes access to essential medical supplies and infrastructure. Strikes by medical workers underscore the government’s failure to meet promises.
In his acceptance speech, Duale pledged to streamline the sector and advance President Ruto’s UHC agenda. “In my new role, I remain committed to working with relevant stakeholders in driving government policies that strengthen healthcare delivery, ensuring accessible and quality services for all Kenyans. A key priority will be advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to guarantee equitable healthcare access, especially for vulnerable populations,” Duale stated.
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Kenya Health Workers Issue Strike Notice to CS Aden Duale
