Kenya’s ongoing nurses’ crisis has intensified as union official Seth Panyako raised concerns over delayed employment letters for thousands of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers. Despite counties receiving Ksh428 billion in equitable share funds, the necessary appointments have not been finalized, according to Panyako. The issue has sparked frustration among healthcare professionals, who argue the delay undermines service delivery and patient care.
Panyako highlighted the urgency of the situation during an interview with K24TV on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. He emphasized that the delayed appointments are affecting the implementation of the UHC program, which aims to provide affordable healthcare to all Kenyans. The union is calling for immediate action from county governments to resolve the backlog and ensure timely deployment of healthcare workers.
The crisis underscores broader challenges in the country’s healthcare system, including resource allocation and administrative inefficiencies. While officials have not yet responded publicly, the situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The nurses’ union remains committed to advocating for their rights and the improvement of healthcare services across the nation.
