Pain for patients as Nyamira nurses down tools

Nyamira county enforcement officers block striking nurses from accessing then Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo at the county headquarters on June 26, 2018.The nurses were demanding payment of two months salary. [File, Standard]

Nurses in Nyamira county have downed tools over what they termed as frustration by the administration.

The nurses paralysed services after expiry of the 14 days strike notice on Sunday.

And nurses in Kisii have vowed to go on strike from November 1, 2024.

Nurses from both counties have protested over poor working conditions, stagnation in job grades, delayed salaries and delayed implementation of the collective bargaining agreement.

Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Nyamira branch secretary Bernard Kerosi said they issued a 14 day strike notice to the county government but their grievances have not been addressed.

“The issues that we have been raising are historic and for a long time now, the county leadership has not addressed them. All the time we have engaged the leaders, all that we’ve had are lies and more lies,” Kerosi said.

He said the county had not paid nurses for about three months while others had been demoted in unexplained circumstances.

“It is saddening that the county has never considered nurses as important healthcare workers. Over the times we’ve only had doctors being promoted as hundreds of nurses languish in same job grades,” KNUN Nyamira branch Chairman Samson Mariba, said.

But Nyamira Health Executive Donald Mogoi said they have initiated negotiations to address the nurses grievances.

“I can confirm that the matter is being handled with the sensitivity it deserves and the county is dealing with the Nurses Council with a view of resolving their issues,” Mogoi said.

KNUN Kisii branch secretary Eric Rioba, accused the county government of failing to hold meaningful talks  with the nurses.

Rioba said the county government engaged the union officials and implored them to work with a promise to fulfill their demands within 10 days, which has not happened.

The nurses have now vowed to stay away from work until their grievances are addressed.