Wamuzi News Ke
One worker has lost their life, and multiple others have been injured in a devastating road accident while heading to a high-stakes protest in Nairobi. The workers were en route to join the ongoing national demonstrations when their 16-seat matatu collided, leaving it utterly destroyed and the front end severely mangled, as seen in shocking images shared by Wamuzinews.co.ke.
“My heart goes out to the UHC workers involved in this horrific accident on their way to the protests. May the departed soul rest in peace, and may those injured recover swiftly,” said one of the distressed workers.
This tragedy unfolded as health workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program took to the streets, continuing their protests. The most recent rally, held on May 13, saw hundreds of UHC employees march to Afya House, demanding action on broken promises. The workers, armed with banners and whistles, staged a blockade and made their voices heard, calling for urgent intervention from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Their demands are clear: permanent employment, overdue gratuities, fair employment practices, and equal pay ahead of their payroll transition to county governments in 2025. Workers are urging the Ministry of Health to fast-track their permanent employment status and the transition process, stressing the urgency of addressing these long-standing issues.
The protesting workers, many of whom were recruited between 2019 and 2020 as part of the UHC push to extend healthcare services to underserved regions, include nurses, clinical officers, public health officers, laboratory technicians, and community health workers.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has promised to resolve these matters within three weeks, assuring workers that their grievances will be addressed fairly and urgently. This comes after recent talks with the Council of Governors and unions aimed at addressing the workers’ contractual benefits.
The workers’ ongoing protests now take on even greater significance as they continue to seek justice for themselves and their fellow healthcare colleagues.
