The ODM leader Raila Odinga urged the government and the doctors to sit and reason together and at least come Read more
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has announced that the county will not remit salaries to healthcare workers who have been on strike.
The decision by Nyong’o has sparked a heated debate on the rights of workers and the responsibility of the government to provide essential services to its citizens. The governor’s announcement comes in the midst of a prolonged strike by doctors, clinical officers, and nurses in Kisumu County, which has paralyzed healthcare services in public hospitals and put the lives of residents at risk.
In a statement released on Thursday, Governor Nyong’o justified the decision by citing the Labour Relations Act, which states that remuneration should not be provided for work not performed. He referred to the striking healthcare workers as absconders who do not deserve any payments for the period of time they have been away from their designated workplaces. The governor also directed the County Secretary and the public service board to take necessary action to enforce the resolution.
“We have always made extra efforts to pay salaries on time with contingency plans in place whenever funds are not received in time from the national treasury. A circular has been issued for all staff to access Mortgage and Car Loan Schemes” Said Nyong’o
Nyong’o further announced that the county is seeking to employ doctors on short-term contracts at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to fill the gap created by the strike. He emphasized that the measures are intended to ensure continuous service delivery in the health sector and protect the well-being of county residents. Despite taking a hardline stance on the strike, Governor Nyong’o expressed his commitment to addressing the grievances of the healthcare workers through a constructive dialogue process.
“In accordance with the Labour Relations Act, the county will not provide remuneration for work not performed. Therefore, healthcare workers who have not been present at their designated workplace and have withdrawn their services will not be remunerated for the corresponding period,” Nyongo said, adding that posting of interns is beyond the county government.
The announcement by Governor Nyong’o has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some individuals have praised the governor for taking a tough stance against the striking healthcare workers, others have criticized the decision as punitive and inhumane. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and other medical professionals have vowed to continue with the strike until their demands are met.
The protracted strike by healthcare workers in Kisumu County has had far-reaching implications on the delivery of healthcare services in public hospitals. Patients have been forced to seek treatment in private facilities, which are often unaffordable for the majority of residents. The lack of essential medical services has also led to increased mortality rates and exacerbated existing health challenges in the community.
Governor Nyong’o’s assertion that the county has met majority of the demands made by the striking doctors has been met with skepticism by some members of the public. They argue that the issues raised by the healthcare workers, such as inadequate staffing, lack of equipment and supplies, and poor working conditions, have not been adequately addressed. The decision to withhold salaries from the striking healthcare workers is seen as a way to suppress dissent and discourage future strikes.
In response to the governor’s announcement, the KMPDU has called for a nationwide solidarity strike to show support for the healthcare workers in Kisumu County. The union has emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the well-being of healthcare workers and ensure that they are provided with a safe working environment and fair compensation for their services.
According to Kisumu residents, the ongoing strike in the County highlights the broader challenges facing the healthcare system in Kenya, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled healthcare workers. The government must take urgent steps to address these underlying issues and ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic status.
