Laikipia government will not give the striking doctors pay increment as they were already the highest paid county employees.
While addressing journalist in his Nyahururu office Monday, Governor Ndiritu Muriithi also warned the doctors that they risked being sacked as the court had already declared the strike illegal.
“When the doctors gave the strike notice, we went to court and the court declared the strike illegal. So those doctors who have been on strike for the past two weeks can be dismissed any time for taking part in illegal strike,” said Muriithi.
He said medics working in the County health facilities earned Sh350, 000 per month and the devolved unit had no capacity to pay them more.
The governor termed the demand by the doctors as selfish saying they were better paid compared to other high ranking professionals.
“Architects are paid Sh150, 000 per month and engineers between Sh64, 000 and Sh90, 000 per month. Comparing these salaries you will see that the doctors are earn three times than their colleagues in other professions,” he said.
Muriithi noted that the County is already spending 56 percent of its revenue on salaries and it would not be logical to raise that further by giving salary increments.
“I agree we need equity in society but it’s not possible or practical for us to give further pay increment,” he said.
On late payment of salaries for workers by his administration, the Governor blamed the national government for delaying disbursement of funds to counties.
He claimed that the delay by the National Treasury to release money to counties was part of a bigger scheme to kill devolution, accelerated by failure by the senators and members of National Assembly to agree and pass the Division of Revenue Bill.
On Friday last week, the striking doctors vowed not to return to work until the county government meets their grievances despite the court order declaring the strike illegal.
The medics decried zero commitment by the county in meeting their demands, ranging from promotions, payments and provision of insurance cover.
They also decried lack of medicine and equipment across the health facilities saying that they could not meet patient needs due to the shortcomings.
By Jesse Mwitwa
