{
  "id": 14204895,
  "title": "MPs Call for Predictable Funding to Ensure Timely Payment of UHC Workers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/mps-call-for-predictable-funding-to-ensure-timely-payment-of-uhc",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T13:15:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/mps-call-for-predictable-funding-to-ensure-timely-payment-of-uhc-workers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee has urged for a stable revenue-sharing framework to guarantee the timely payment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers and avoid counties from piling up salary arrears. This concern arose during a discussion between the committee and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) on draft proposals for sharing revenue between national and county governments in the 2027/28 financial year. Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi highlighted that proposed allocations must be evaluated based on the true cost of devolved functions, the country’s revenue outlook, and the competing expenditure demands of both levels of government. He stressed the importance of a clear, data-driven method for determining county allocations, stating that counties need consistent and predictable resources to meet their service delivery responsibilities. \"We must also address the effectiveness and predictability of transfers to county governments. Timely and predictable disbursements are essential to enable counties to plan, meet their obligations and deliver services without accumulating arrears,\" Atandi explained. The committee discussed plans to move UHC workers to permanent and pensionable roles, prompting questions about how their salaries should be funded and allocated to county governments. The CRA noted that the Ministry of Health hired 9,724 UHC personnel in 2020 for a three-year trial, of which 8,550 were assigned to the 47 counties. Their salaries were processed by the Ministry of Health. Eventually, both the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors agreed that these workers should be converted to permanent and pensionable roles, with their pay determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) rates. However, including their salaries in the equitable share given to counties would necessitate a review of the current revenue distribution formula among the 47 counties. CRA Chairperson Mary Chebukati stated that the commission is seeking Parliament’s advice on whether the revenue-sharing formula could be revised before April 2027, considering the time needed for extensive negotiations. The CRA suggested that funding for UHC workers’ wages should be provided through conditional allocations to county governments until the Fourth Basis for sharing revenue among counties is re-evaluated. Apart from UHC financing, Atandi requested the commission to clarify the premises behind its suggested allocations, including how inflation, county expenditure requirements, and existing service delivery duties were taken into account. He pointed out that while the national government deals with significant debt payments and other national obligations, county governments are still responsible for critical services, especially healthcare, agriculture, water, and local infrastructure. CRA Commissioner Fatuma Gedi said that the initial talks aimed at resolving outstanding issues and reaching agreement before the commission releases its official revenue-sharing advice. “One of the legacies we would like to leave is a revenue-sharing recommendation that does not end up in mediation,” she remarked. The commission intends to present its suggestions before the 2027/28 budgeting period.",
  "summary": "The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee has called for a predictable revenue-sharing framework to ensure timely payment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers and prevent counties from accumulating salary arrears. The issue emerged during a consultative meeting between the committee and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) on draft recommendations for sharing revenue…",
  "key_points": [
    "National Assembly urges stable revenue-sharing framework for timely UHC payments",
    "Committee Chair Samuel Atandi stresses data-driven county allocation method",
    "CRA seeks Parliament's advice on revising revenue-sharing formula by April 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}