Casual workers serving in Nyandarua County have lauded the announcement by Governor Moses Badilisha to have all of them absorbed under permanent and pensionable terms.
Governor Badilisha made the announcement during his Jamhuri day address saying that all casual employees who have served for more than 20 years on casual basis, would be absorbed into the County public service as per the existing terms of service.
Speaking at AC Ol Kalou Primary School, Badilisha said that these workers some who have served for more than 20 years on casual basis and without any benefits, including medical insurance, and whose age allow employment on permanent terms, will be absorbed from January, 2023.
“Those whose civil service regulations on age requirement lock them out will be granted better terms of service on contract terms which are longer, and renewable until their exit”, he explained.
“Additionally, all these employees, a total of 175, will be promoted to the next job grade” he added.
We cannot talk of independence, and a new Republic, when a section of our workforce continues to languish in poverty and discrimination”, he added.
“Some have retired after tens of years with nothing to show for it, and walked home empty handed as if they were never employed; this has come to an end today,” the Governor declared.
A section of the workers while thanking the governor pointed out threats of sacking and intimidation that they faced each time a new regime came into power.
Further to the above directive, the County Head instructed the Health Services Department to ensure immediate payment of all arrears owed to 365 County health workers whose salaries and wages have not been paid for several months, dating back to almost one year.
“We have lost a number of us as they fought to get permanent jobs. Some were sent away in the name of cleaning up the payroll,” revealed Lucy Njuguna, an employee at JM Kariuki Hospital.
“It is a new dawn for us and we are glad that the governor has backed us on this. We will give our best to ensure the county grows to greater heights,” said John Muigai, a long time casual employee.
By Anne Sabuni
