Countrywide health sector crisis looms

By Michael Wesonga

Government’s reluctance to heed health workers’ demands may lead to a countrywide  paralysis in the health sector in less than a fortnight.

The health workers are demanding the formation of a Health Service Commission.

Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) National Secretary General Seth Panyako is resolute that they will withdraw their services come December 10, after unfruitful discussions with sector stakeholders, including President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Mr Panyako told The Standard that even though the Government appreciated the concrete grievances raised by the union, no workable resolution was forthcoming.

“The President instead ordered a meeting of all stakeholders to iron out the matter in two weeks’ time, particularly the Public Service Board and the County Public Service Board, given that personnel must be seconded to the counties by the former with clear terms of service,” he explained. The discussions involve the Public Service Commission, Health cabinet secretary, Governors’ Council, county public service boards, Senate and Parliament committees on health and trade unions among others.

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Panyako, however, said he was not sure whether the two had even met, adding there were no supporting laws in place yet county governments were purporting to have laid hold of health personnel.

HEALTH LAWS

“The health sector lacks a policy and subsequent Health Bill and Act that clearly define the development process,” he stressed.

Panyako insisted they were not opposed to devolution but rather wanted personnel emoluments remain with the national government, then there would be no need for industrial action.

“We are disappointed with political utterances made by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto. He is politicising the healthcare system despite its critical role in development,” he said.