Homa bay county government’s plan to hire more than 140 health workers on contract has elicited opposition from a section of leaders in the county.
The Homa Bay Senator, Moses Kajwang’ and Nyanza regional Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Chairman Kevin Osuri have opposed the terms of hiring the new medics.
The County has advertised vacancies from qualified health workers in various departments.
Some of the successful applicants, including nurses will serve under a three year contract.
Others, including medical officers will serve under five year contract. The deadline for the applications is April 5.
But Kajwang’ told the County to revoke the advertisement. Speaking during an impromptu visit at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, the Senator argued that hiring the medics on contract will
make them lose morale in their work.
“There is no way our county can employ some health workers on contract while others are on permanent and pensionable jobs. I urge the county to revoke the ongoing advert so that health workers can be hired on permanent basis,” Kajwang’ said.
He promised to table a motion in the Senate to prevent any county government from hiring health workers on contract.
“This amounts to frustrating health workers and we must discuss this matter in the Senate to protect the medics,” Kajwang’ added.
On his part Osuri argued that offering jobs on contract is a sign of killing health sector as it discouraged people from pursuing medical courses.
Osuri said medics undertake crucial roles hence their welfare should be handled more seriously.
“Health workers also need pension and other benefits resulting from permanent jobs. Contractual employment would frustrate the health staff,” said Osuri.
He threatened to mobilize workers to go on strike if the county administration fails to rescind the decision to hire medics on contracts.
By Davis Langat
