The Embu County Government has allocated Sh140 million in the 2026/2027 financial year to confirm all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable employment.
County Chief Officer for Health Patrick Mukavi said the funds will also support the promotion of healthcare workers who have remained in the same job groups for several years without career progression.
Mukavi said the move is aimed at improving staff morale, enhancing healthcare service delivery, and addressing recurring disputes and strikes by health workers over poor working conditions.
“I can confirm that we have factored adequate funds in this financial year to take care of the Universal Health Coverage workers. At the same time, we have a budget to cater for healthcare workers who have stagnated in the same job groups for years,” he said.
Speaking during a medical camp at Runyenjes Level Four Hospital on Friday, Mukavi said confirming and promoting health workers would help resolve labor-related challenges affecting the sector.
He, however, clarified that the implementation of the confirmations and promotions will depend on approval of the county budget by the Embu County Assembly.
The Chief Officer appealed to Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to approve the budget once presented, saying the allocation would support efforts to streamline healthcare services across the county.
“I urge MCAs to pass the budget as this will ensure our agenda of streamlining and running a seamless health sector is attained,” he said.
During the medical camp, more than 700 patients received specialized medical services from a team of doctors drawn from various fields.
The initiative was conducted under the Department of Health’s Madaktari Mashinani (doctors at the grassroots) programme, which seeks to take specialized healthcare services closer to residents.
County Head of Primary Healthcare Dr. Mercy Wanjala said the programme, which has been running for two months, has helped reduce financial and geographical barriers that prevent patients from accessing specialized care.
She said more than 2,000 patients have so far benefited from the initiative, with many receiving treatment for chronic conditions including various forms of cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
Dr. Wanjala said the county plans to transform the programme into a permanent initiative to institutionalize access to specialized healthcare services at the grassroots level.
She noted that decentralizing specialized medical services would help improve early diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions among residents, particularly those in rural areas.
Mukavi said strengthening healthcare staffing and expanding access to medical services remain key priorities for the county government as it works towards achieving universal health coverage.
By Samuel Waititu
