Laikipia governor-elect promises to reinstate sacked doctors

Laikipia Governor-elect Joshua Irungu. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Laikipia Governor-elect Joshua Irungu has promised to reinstate 61 doctors and specialists who were fired three years ago by outgoing Governor Nderitu Muriithi.

Mr Irungu said the outgoing governor allegedly failed to honour a court order that reinstated the doctors.

The governor-elect who is set to be sworn in on Thursday promised to meet with the doctors to discuss the matter.

"This is one of the top priorities for my government. The health sector is very important to me, and I will take it seriously," he said.

He further pledged that once the doctors are reinstated they would be given all of their dues as well as other allowances.

Mr Irungu said he is committed to improving health services, as they are a critical component of not only development but also the well-being of locals.

During a familiarisation tour of Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital, the governor-elect revealed that he was in consultation with key stakeholders in the sector to look into critical areas of focus such as staff, hospital equipment, drugs, and workers welfare.

This he said will help improve staffing while also motivating them to do better.

The governor-elect's sentiments were echoed by Nyahururu Hospital CEO Waihenya Mwangi and Igwamiti Ward MCA elect Irene Wachuka, who emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnership among stakeholders in order to help build the health sector's image.

"Elected officials will work with the county government to improve the health care system. We will provide assistance whenever it is required," Ms Wachuka said.