Makueni nurses on Wednesday held a demonstration and camped outside Governor Kivutha Kibwana’s office demanding for promotions, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and employment on permanent terms.
The nurses who demanded to have an audience with the governor lamented over delayed promotions, employment on contractual basis and lack of essential equipment to protect them against Covid 19.
Addressing the press outside the governor’s office Makueni Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) chairperson Muriuki Muruathika appealed to the county government to listen to the nurse’s pleas.
“Nurses have stagnated in one job group for at least three or four years and when promoted there are no arrears. We are wondering why the bottlenecks and the government has enough resources,” said Muruathika.
He also decried the employment of nurses on contract saying the move was meant to intimidate the workers and prevent them from demanding their rights.
“Since 2014 the county government has been employing nurses on contract while our counterparts in Kitui and Machakos are recruited on a permanent basis. As we speak those on contract have received letters firing them,” noted the KNUN secretary general.
He added that nurses would not endanger themselves without PPEs and asked the county government to protect the health workers.
“If nurses are not protected against the virus they will end up infecting the public,” said Muruathika.
The county liaison officer Meshack Musyoki who addressed the striking nurses promised to pass their grievances to the governor.
“He is currently not in the office but be assured that we will pass the messages to him,” said Musyoki.
Services at the health facilities in the county have almost grounded after nurses and clinical workers joined the country wide strike that kicked off last week.
By Roselyne Kavoo
