The Council of Governors has called for an urgent meeting with President William Ruto in an effort to address emerging issues between the two levels of Government that are simmering and likely to create friction.
The governors want to discuss the absorption of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, an issue for which they now accuse Health CS Aden Duale of mismanagement.
The governors, who addressed a press conference on Monday after a 5-hour full council meeting at their headquarters in Westlands, questioned the transfer of UHC staff to counties, stating that it is being mishandled and should be handled with due importance.
CoG chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdulahi criticized CS Duale, saying he is keen on fast-tracking the transfer of the UHC staff employed during the COVID era to counties, yet there are no accompanying funds to cover their salaries and gratuity.
The UHC staff have been staging demonstrations at the Ministry of Health headquarters and Parliament, demanding employment on permanent and pensionable terms, or payment of gratuity for their six years of service, and then be allowed to seek fresh mandates in individual counties.
The Council of Governors contends that proceeding with the program blindly, given the ongoing funding challenges between themselves and the National Government, would be highly risky, especially bringing on board the UHC staff without accompanying funds.
CoG Health Committee chairperson Muthomi Njuki asked the Ministry of Health to deal exhaustively with the UHC staff to ensure a seamless takeover without lingering issues with the National Government. He stated that counties should not be dragged into a simmering tussle until the Ministry conclusively deals with the matter at hand.
The Council of Governors also took issue with a recent donation of surveillance vehicles by the National Government, officiated by President Ruto. They argued that this move amounts to a continued usurping of county powers, as the procurement of vehicles is a county function, and therefore, funds should have been channelled to the counties.
Consequently, the governors argue that it would be difficult to insure vehicles purchased by the National Government, which could endanger their operation.
The meeting the governors want with the President will also seek to address persistent county funding challenges.
CoG Chair Ahmed Abdulahi further stated that despite requesting Ksh 536 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, only Ksh 405 billion has been allocated.
