Health workers in Machakos County have called off their planned strike after agreeing with the County Government.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Chairperson, Dr. Charles Okumu, announced the suspension of the strike.
The strike was scheduled to begin next Tuesday, following the county government’s commitment to expedite promotions for 422 medical staff by Friday, July 21.
Health workers had issued a strike threat earlier this week, citing the main grievances of delayed promotions and poor working conditions.
However, after a crisis meeting with the county’s top leadership, Dr. Okumu revealed that the promoted health workers would also receive payment in arrears as per the meeting’s resolutions.
“The Machakos County government shall quantify the arrears for the promoted health workers within six months and engage union officials in discussions on the implementation framework,” stated Dr. Okumu.
He further revealed that the files of health workers due for promotion would be reviewed, pending their elevation to higher job groups.
“Phase two of health workers who may be due for promotions will also be reviewed, and the county government will engage the union on the implementation framework by January 13, 2024,” he added.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti, speaking at the same event, expressed her commitment to addressing the welfare of health workers to boost morale and improve service delivery.
She emphasized the unfairness and violation of human rights when workers remain stagnant in one job group for an extended period.
Governor Ndeti also assured an adequate supply of drugs and essential medical resources in all health facilities, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery.
“We want to ensure that the working environment for doctors is conducive for both them and the patients,” she stated.
Governor Ndeti also promised to establish proper schemes of service not only for health workers but for all county personnel, ensuring staff progression and preventing discrimination or disadvantages for those deserving of promotion.
“We have employees who have received the same pay for the past ten years without any increments or promotions.
A proper scheme of service will guarantee that individuals eligible for promotion are not discriminated against or disadvantaged,” she said.
