Kenya National Union of Nurses Organising Secretary Ann Githiong'o (second right) leads nurses and other health workers as they demonstrated at the Asian Quarters grounds after downing their tools demanding for better working conditions and pay from the county government. (Photo: Mose Sammy/Standard)

Hundreds of health workers in Nyeri downed tools Monday protesting poor working conditions.

The workers are also demanding a pay rise before they can resume work. The move caught hundreds of patients off guard and were forced to seek treatment in private hospitals.

The more than 100 nurses and other workers drawn from various health cadres held a peaceful demonstration at Asian Quarters' grounds. They blamed the county government for dragging its feet in addressing their concerns.

The workers drawn from Nyeri County Referral Hospital, Othaya Level 4 Hospital, and Karatina Level 5 Hospital maintained that they would stay away from work until their demands are met.

In a statement, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) Nyeri Chairman Ann Githiong'o said the county management had failed in effecting promotions and the timely remitting their statutory deductions to institutions like NHIF.

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"This is a gross violation of our rights and we will not relent until our grievances are addressed," said Ms Githiong'o.

She also accused the county administration of failing to pay their July salaries and to implement their new house allowances as per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular of December 10, 2014 and which came into effect on July 1 this year.

County Health Executive Charles Githnji acknowledged the plight of the workers and said his office was doing all it can to address their concerns.