National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the striking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers to put their industrial action on hold until the budget is read on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Speaking during a meeting with officials from the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) at Parliament Buildings, Wetang’ula expressed empathy for the workers’ demands and reiterated Parliament’s role in championing their cause.
“I received a petition from the striking UHC workers and immediately directed the National Assembly Committee on Health to allocate resources in the 2025/26 budget to address their concerns,” Wetang’ula remarked.
Funds earmarked
The Speaker revealed that the National Assembly had already earmarked funds in the upcoming national budget to address key issues raised by the workers.
These include the conversion of contracts to permanent and pensionable terms and the payment of outstanding gratuities.
“These demands are not only valid but essential for ensuring stability in our healthcare workforce,” Wetang’ula affirmed.
Wetang’ula urged the union, led by its Chairman Nicholas Odipo, to suspend the ongoing strike in anticipation of the budget’s passage, emphasising the need for patience and faith in the legislative process.
Pending Mbadi’s approval
He, however, cautioned that implementation would depend on formal approval and the appropriation of funds in the national budget, which is to be presented this Thursday by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
“I understand your frustrations, and while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, I appeal to you to picket in a civil manner and consider the impact on the delivery of community health services,” Wetang’ula stated.
He noted that prolonged industrial action risks reversing the gains made under the UHC program, especially at the grassroots level.
The Speaker emphasised that Parliament remains committed to its oversight mandate and will ensure that funds allocated to the Ministry of Health are utilised strictly for their intended purposes.
“Rather than blame, let us focus on constructive solutions. Parliament is your ally in ensuring accountability and equity in the healthcare system,” Wetang’ula said.
Odipo welcomed the Speaker’s intervention, describing it as a significant step towards addressing longstanding concerns.
“We always pitch tent outside Parliament during demonstrations to seek attention from the House, and we are encouraged that the Speaker has finally listened to us,” Odipo said.
The UHC workers have been on strike for over 100 days, calling for their confirmation toa permanent and pensionable basis, payment of their gratuities and other outstanding dues.
The Ministry of Health has vowed to transfer the UHC workers’ payroll to the county governments even as governors decry the move, calling for an allocation to pay their salaries and settle their outstanding gratuities.
