Makûeni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr issuing an appointment letter to one of beneficiaries. Looking on is Health Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mbithi. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
In a major policy shift poised to strengthen healthcare delivery in Makueni County, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has officially confirmed the conversion of 216 healthcare workers from contract to permanent and pensionable (P&P) terms.
This landmark move, described by the Governor as a “new lease of life” for frontline workers, underscores his administration’s commitment to improving staff welfare and achieving universal health coverage.
Speaking during the official issuance of appointment letters at a county event themed “Strengthening Health Workforce to Achieve Universal Health Coverage,” the Governor said the decision marks a critical milestone in addressing longstanding inequalities and job insecurity among healthcare professionals.
“Contractual staff face unfair working conditions such as job insecurity, unequal pay, lack of training opportunities and inability to access credit facilities,” Governor Mutula noted. “We are putting an end to that.”
The 216 confirmed staff include 50 nurses, 24 clinical officers, 18 medical laboratory technologists, 12 pharmaceutical technologists, 11 psychological counsellors, and four emergency medical technicians, among others.
Some of them, he revealed, have been serving under contractual terms since as far back as 2016.
Governor Mutula further emphasized that the county’s efforts are not isolated, disclosing ongoing consultations with the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health to push for resolution of similar predicaments facing health workers under national UHC contracts.
Since assuming office in 2022, the Governor said his administration has made deliberate investments in healthcare human resources, including: Promotion of 917 staff across all cadres, Upgrading 56 doctors, including consultants, to higher job groups and recruitment of the first neurosurgeon among others.
The Governor too revealed that, In a bid to avoid future labor unrest, the county is finalizing recognition agreements with medical laboratory officers and advancing negotiations on the nurses’ Collective Bargaining Agreement.
He also pledged improved engagement with the Union of Kenya Civil Servants and directed the health department to fully budget for Community Health Promoters’ stipends in the 2025/2026 fiscal year to prevent payment delays, further affirming his administration’s resolve to support the health system from the grassroots up.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Governor Mutula reminded the newly confirmed workers. “The people of Makueni expect quality healthcare services from us.”
