- Health Union Caucus supports KSh 207 billion Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework, calling it a historic turning point
- The health unions explained why the cooperation framework will transition 13,800 health workers onto national payroll, ensuring job security and dignity
- Amid controversy, the caucus urges resolution of court case to prevent delays in funding and Universal Health Coverage goals
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi – The Health Union Caucus has thrown its weight behind the recently signed $2.5 billion Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework.
Source: Facebook
In a press statement on Saturday, December 20, the caucus hailed the KSh 207 billion health cooperation framework as a landmark agreement that elevates workforce dignity and strengthens national health sovereignty.
The Health Union Caucus, representing the unified voice of Kenya’s Health Sector Unions—including the Kenya KUCO, KNUMLO, KEHPHPU, KMPDU, KUNAD, and KNUPT—said it was comfortable with the deal.
“As the frontline defenders of our nation’s health, we recognise this agreement as a historic turning point. It moves Kenya away from the unpredictable cycles of donor-led aid toward a sustainable, government-to-government partnership that prioritises the dignity of the Kenyan health worker and the security of the Kenyan patient,” the statement read.
Describing health workers as “the frontline defenders of our nation’s health,” the caucus said the framework represents “a historic turning point” for a sector long plagued by uncertainty.
“For the years, over 28,000 healthcare workers—critical to our fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria, have lived in professional limbo, dependent on fluctuating external funding. This framework provides a clear, time-bound roadmap to absorb 13,800 frontline workers onto the national public payroll by 2028. This transition ends the era of “contractual insecurity” and ensures that our most experienced specialists remain in the public service, strengthening our local facilities rather than facing the risk of layoffs,” they noted.
The group urged all parties involved in the ongoing court case that temporarily stopped the implementation of the deal to resolve the matter outside the court.
They argued that the deal is a lifeline for a health system transitioning towards universal health coverage.
“While we respect the judicial process currently reviewing the framework, the Caucus urges all stakeholders to consider the high stakes of delay. This agreement is a lifeline for a health system transitioning toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This is not just about funding; it is about the roadmap to self-reliance as we are finally moving toward a system where Kenya owns its data, employs its health workers, and manages its own medical supplies for programs traditionally managed by NGOs,” they added.
Source: Twitter
Aden Duale defended the Kenya-US health deal
Earlier, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale strongly defended the recently signed multi-billion-shilling Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework.
In a press statement on Friday, December 12, Duale termed the partnership as lawful, tightly safeguarded and designed to strengthen Kenya’s health system without compromising citizens’ personal data.
The Health CS assured the public that the KSh 208 billion agreement signed earlier this month was carefully structured to protect Kenya’s sovereignty, data ownership, and intellectual property.
Despite ongoing concerns raised following a recent High Court order suspending data-sharing aspects of the agreement, Duale firmly stated that the partnership was lawfully drafted and does not expose citizens’ personal health information.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
