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{
    "id": 1524111,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524111/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 48,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kipipiri, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Wanjiku Muhia",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me the opportunity. I was lobbying because many Members are not aware of the Motion I am giving notice of. Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provision of Standing Order 33(1), I seek leave for the adjournment of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent national importance regarding the delay in absorption of health workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In May and June 2020, 8,571 healthcare professionals were recruited on a three-year contract under the UHC programme. Majority of these officers were deployed to the county facilities, while a small number was posted to national Government facilities. In 2023, the respective contracts were renewed for a further three years. However, whereas the contracts of the health workers posted to national Government facilities were renewed under similar terms as those agreed in 2020, the health workers recruited under county governments had their remuneration reduced by half. This is contrary to established labour practice of “equal pay, equal work” and falls short of the expectation of fair labour principles as enshrined in Article 41 of the Constitution. Additionally, it is noted that whereas the renewed contracts were given by the county governments, the salaries for the officers are paid by the Ministry of Health, which is under national Government. In October 2023, the national Government assured the UHC staff that they would be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms. Sadly, in October 2024, the Ministry of Health only transitioned 110 health workers who are under the national Government to permanent and pensionable terms, while leaving the remaining health workers engaged under the county governments on contractual terms. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I seek leave for the adjournment of the House to discuss this matter of great national concern with a view of exploring possible and lasting solutions. I thank you."
}