As the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers' strike hits 95 days, tensions continue to rise over claims that thousands of them are 'ghost workers.' The workers, who have been demanding to be absorbed under permanent and pensionable terms, payment of gratuity and the inclusion of Global Fund staff, now face accusations that threaten their legitimacy.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, also chair of the Council of Governors' Health Committee, recently claimed there are over 3,000 ghost workers in the counties' health payrolls.
This has sparked outrage among UHC staff and union leaders.
Joseph Ngwasi, National Chair of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), dismissed the claims. "If there are ghost workers, it is the government which knows who these workers are in their own payroll.
