Mombasa, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced that healthcare workers employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme on temporary contracts will now transition to permanent and pensionable terms. Speaking at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa on Thursday, the President issued employment letters to the first batch of workers, signalling a major step in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
“I want to ask for the cooperation of all our counties so that we do not have a back and forth. These workers will now earn enhanced pay beginning this month,” President Ruto said.
The shift will affect more than 7,500 medical professionals nationwide. According to the Head of State, the move underscores his administration’s resolve to prioritize healthcare delivery, which he described as central to the success of UHC.
President Ruto also took counties to task for delaying stipends owed to Community Health Promoters, warning that such delays undermine the government’s UHC agenda.
“These are citizens who have families. They are volunteering to support us. We must make that small stipend come in time. It must never delay,” he said.
Mombasa County emerged as a model in implementing health reforms, with 69 percent of its population already registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The President commended Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir and his administration for their efforts, noting that the county has so far received over KSh 1.5 billion in SHA funds. The allocation has enabled the county to expand services, recruit additional medical personnel, and improve healthcare delivery.
“Mombasa County is an example of how universal health coverage is working,” President Ruto affirmed.
Looking ahead, President Ruto pledged to establish a Level VI hospital in Mombasa, positioning the region as a key hub for specialized healthcare services in Kenya’s coastal corridor.
He reiterated that healthcare is a constitutional right and not a privilege for the wealthy, vowing to deliver UHC to all citizens regardless of their economic status.
The President was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, as well as Members of Parliament and County Assembly.
About The Author
