UHC Workers Threaten Strike as WHO Warns of Disease Outbreaks - January 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about potential outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoeal diseases in Kenya due to the ongoing severe drought. The WHO identified nine counties as particularly at risk because water scarcity is forcing residents to use unsafe sources. Amidst these health concerns, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers are threatening a new strike and have announced planned demonstrations in Nairobi for Tuesday, January 27. The workers are demanding permanent employment and the payment of gratuities from the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni stated the government is utilizing digital systems for real-time monitoring of healthcare delivery, enabled by the Digital Health Act of 2023.