Baringo county health workers have downed their tools accusing the county government of failing to address an array of grievances.
The health workers led by national vice chairman of Nurses Association of Kenya Baringo branch Moses Chirchir vowed not to resume duty until all their members were promoted, re-designated, given confirmation on appointment letters and provided with personal protective equipment (PPEs).
Speaking outside the governor’s offices, the workers comprising clinical officers, nurses, public health officers, physiotherapists, nutritionists among other health staff complained that most health workers despite working hard to offer services to the public have stagnated for many years in their job groups and the county government does not seem to care.
“We shall not go back to our work places until the county addresses the four issues we have raised for a long time. We also demand that our members be given two PPEs and two surgical masks daily. It is not our happiness to down tool but circumstances have forced us to do so. Until all these demands are met we shall keep off work places,”Chirchir stated.
National chairperson, Nurses Association of Kenya Baringo Branch Elizabeth Yator asked the county government to implement the four key critical issues within the shortest time possible for them to resume work.
Baringo County Executive for Health Mary Panga and Chief Officer Dr Gideon Toromo urged the health workers to abandon the strike and resume duty saying their grievances are being addressed.
Mrs. Panga said that since Monday this week the County Executive organ has been meeting to explore ways of implementing some of the demands.
She assured the striking health workers that their re-designation and confirmation on appointment letters were being processed and will be out within one week.
“I am happy to announce to you that re-designation and confirmation letters are being processed and you will receive them in the next one week. I urge you to return to work please as we look into the other grievances,” she pleaded.
The CEC member said the county government requires Sh 270 million for all county staff to be promoted.
“We talked with Finance officials and they have told us that very little funds are available for promotion of everyone and as soon as we receive more funds we shall promote everybody,” Panga stated.
Mrs. Panga said the available funds will be used to promote those who have stagnated for many years noting that currently the county wage bill stands at 56 percent and if the promotions will be effected it will shoot to 60 percent, a factor which might not be accepted by the Salaries Remuneration Commission (SRC).
By Joshua Kibet
