×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

Nurses' union official ejected from conference

Kenya National Union of Nurses led by National Secretary General Seth Panyako (second left),Uasin Gishu County branch Secretary John Bii (in red jacket) and Benson Biwott of Elgeyo/Marawet County (left) show their solidarity

A union official was yesterday denied entry into a national nurse's conference in Eldoret officiated by Deputy President William Ruto.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako flanked by four other members arrived at the venue where the 56th annual conference was taking place but was refused entry by organising officials who kept vigil at the entrance.

An attempt by Panyako to conduct an interview outside the meeting premise was thwarted after police officers led him out of the venue amid heavy security.

He later expressed his anger over the manner in which officials from the nurses association treated him, saying he had the right as a member to attend the conference.

"The association officials are attempting to undermine my leadership because I constantly stand with the nurses in defending their interests but I will not be intimidated," he said.

Panyako maintained that the association showed professional misbehaviour, alleging that the officials, who have allegedly been compromised by the Government, are not willing to shoulder the nurses' issues.

During conference, the Deputy President reiterated the Government's commitment to address pressing concerns affecting the health fraternity, who have intermittent been in strike over unpaid dues by the county governments.

"My office is open for the nurses officials and we can engage in finding amicable solutions on issues. I appeal that we balance calls for better working conditions and service delivery," he stated.

 CHILD BIRTH

He expressed confidence that the proposed Health Bill, which is currently being drafted, will be key in providing solutions to the challenges affecting nurses.

"We will ensure that the Bill is made law so that issues such as remuneration and terms of service become a thing of the past. This will be made possible through establishment of a clear framework," said Ruto.

He also lauded the nurses' fraternity for their service in health delivery, saying that this year, the country has recorded 67 per cent from the earlier 44 per cent of access to safe child birth following the Government's free maternal health care.

Ruto added that the Government has set aside Sh34 billion for improvement of 94 hospitals in the country to  level-five status in a bid to equip it for better service provision.

He further pleaded with the nurses to be patient with the transition process, noting that county governments are still marred with capacity challenges but are working tirelessly to resolve the issue.

Ruto revealed that from the Sh95 billion budget allocated to the Ministry of Health, Sh60 billion was distributed to counties while Sh3.1 billion was meant to hire additional 30 nurses in each county, an exercise which he noted has not been conducted in some counties.

Related Topics


.

Trending Now

.

Popular this week