Health workers down tools over failure by county to absorb them

Murang’a, Kenya: Hundreds of health workers downed their tools in Murang'a County as they protested over county government's failure to absorb them.

The health workers camped at Murang'a County Referral Hospital yesterday citing poor working conditions in their respective stations as they demanded audience with County Director of Health Dr Winfred Kanyi.

The protestors say they were employed three years ago under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) on a contract as the county government promised to absorb them to help improve health services within the facilities.

Through their representatives Paul Kinuthia, they said their contracts expired two months ago despite the promise to engage them on permanent terms.

"Health sector is crucial and there is need for employees to be fully engaged and issued with documentations," Kinuthia said.

However, Kanyi was unable to persuade them to resume work as they demanded to be addressed by County Health secretary Dr Muthoni Maganda, who asked them to select a committee for a meeting.

"There is need for a committee to help chat the way forward as health services are crucial," Muthoni said.
The protesting workers included clinical officers, nurses and pharmacists.