Nurses’ crisis: Panyako questions why counties are delaying UHC appointment letters

In a fresh turn in Kenya's nurses' crisis, union official Seth Panyako has questioned why county governments are still delaying the issuance of employment letters to thousands of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers, despite receiving Ksh428 billion in equitable share. Speaking to K24TV on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Panyako stated that the allocated funds should be enough for counties to transition UHC workers to permanent and pensionable terms.

He expressed disbelief that counties are not able to issue the appointment letters, given the budgetary allocation. This comes amid a standoff over the employment of over 7,600 UHC workers whose contracts ended on June 30, 2026, with unions demanding formal absorption into permanent employment. Panyako revealed that 35 counties are ready to issue the appointment letters, while 12 are causing delays - accusing them of influencing the others.

He also criticized the handling of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), claiming workers have repeatedly agreed on negotiations, only for the signing or implementation stage to stall. Parliament is currently considering additional funding for counties, including Ksh72.26 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, targeted at supporting the transition of UHC workers.

Health workers have threatened industrial action if the transition is not completed and appointment letters are not issued. The dispute has expanded to include the implementation of the 2025-2029 CBA, the 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement, and approved career progression guidelines. Panyako emphasized that the issue is no longer just about the availability of funds, but whether counties will convert the allocated resources into employment security for health workers.