Tough times: Drivers miffed by transfers

Dozens of Taita-Taveta County government drivers have been transferred and deployed as cleaners in various hospitals in the region.

The transfers come in the wake of the recent termination of the services of thousands of casual workers and long-term employees on contracts by the county administration.

The move has caused public concerns and condemnation, with some members of the county assembly terming them as retrogressive, unfair and rogue.

Mgange-Mwanda Ward Representative Anselim Mwadime claimed the executive has become rogue by transferring county staff regardless of career profession.

“We are part of this mediocrity. There is no manpower plan in the county administration,” he told the speaker.

Health Services County Chief Officer (CCO) Philomena Kirote effected the transfers where 20 drivers were deployed in various health centres.

“All arrivals to be reported to the undersigned,” said the posting order signed by Ms Kirote.

Deployed staff

The controversial transfers have also seen some senior support staff deployed as clerks while scores of senior assistants and community development officers deployed as clerks and customer care service.

A senior support staff working at the governor’s offices has been deployed as NHIF Clerk at Mwatate Sub-county Hospital.

According to the list, 30 junior county staff have been affected by the new changes that have caused panic and condemnation in equal measure.

“We are shocked by the move by the county administration to deploy us as cleaners in health centres and dispensaries. This is unfair and we are consulting our legal team to take action against the county administration,” said one of the affected drivers who was caught unawares by the transfers.