Health CS Duale, CoG in High-Level Talks on UHC Workforce, SHA, and Career Guidelines

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today  joined the Council of Governors (CoG) for an Extra-Ordinary consultative meeting chaired by Wajir Governor and CoG Chairperson H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of Kenya’s healthcare system.

The engagement brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Public Service Commission (PSC), with discussions centered on health workforce management, SHA implementation, and career progression guidelines.

Following candid deliberations, the meeting resolved to:
✔️ Validate UHC staff – The joint MoH–CoG technical team to finalise and co-sign the verification report by 5th September 2025.
✔️ Facilitate workforce transition – A new CoG committee comprising Health, Legal, Finance & HR Chairs, alongside the Governor of Makueni, will develop modalities for paying UHC workers at SRC rates for the remainder of their contracts.
✔️ Address SHA reimbursements – Roll out a Governors’ Dashboard to track SHIF claim payments, with a commitment that all claims be settled by the 14th of every month.
✔️ Review ambulance & evacuation services – Further consultations to align rollout with devolved functions under the Constitution.
✔️ Revisit career guidelines – PSC urged to withdraw current guidelines developed without county consultation and ensure future frameworks factor in implementation costs under equitable revenue allocations.

The meeting underscored the collective commitment of both levels of government to restore trust in the health system, with resolutions aimed at building a more responsive and sustainable healthcare system for all Kenyans.

In attendance were PS Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), PS Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Dr. Mercy Mwangangi (CEO, SHA), and Eng. Anthony Lenayara (CEO, DHA).