Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has defended his record in resolving long-standing labour disputes in the health sector, insisting that recent demonstrations outside Afya House were driven by the interests of union leaders rather than by genuine concerns of healthcare workers.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the CS dismissed claims that he was sitting on a pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), stating that he had not seen any CBA on his desk. He accused union officials of dishonesty and of spreading misinformation to stir unrest.
“Once I receive the document, I will read it, ensure it addresses resources, consult the National Treasury and the SRC, and then I will sign it,” Duale noted.
“One thing I have seen at Afya House is that a majority of the people who come to demonstrate are not healthcare workers,” he said
The CS accused the union leaders of dishonesty, claiming that they had been in his office the previous week and had reached an agreement.
“Some leaders are turning a very noble healthcare workforce, which we want to equip and make fit for purpose, into a tool for their own games,” Duale claimed.
Duale claimed that since taking office as Health CS, he has implemented key measures to stabilise the sector.
He noted that he had posted medical interns and that he ensured that staff under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, including clinicians, were now earning according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) structure.
The CS noted that staff under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, including clinicians, are now earning according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) structure.
Duale accused a section of union leaders of exploiting the health workforce for personal gain, warning that such actions undermine the government’s efforts to strengthen the sector.
“There are people who want to earn their living by using the healthcare workers in our country, who are doing amazing work,” he stated.
Duale insisted the government was committed to improving healthcare delivery and supporting medical professionals, but cautioned that reforms cannot be driven through what he described as theatrics and manipulation.
“Without healthcare workers, UHC, Taifa Care, and the Universal Health Care Act will not be achieved. But the leaders should not use healthcare workers as a bogey,” he said.
