STATEMENT ON THE ILLEGAL DISRUPTION OF HEALTH SERVICES IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY
As you are aware the provision of health services in Kirinyaga County has been disrupted by the health workers who have boycotted work demanding to be paid allowances and to be promoted. From the outset, we state that we are not opposed to payment of allowances or to effect due promotions. These two issues are main grievances being fronted. The facts are as follows, 1. PROMOTIONS OF HEALTH STAFF: This is an ongoing activity since July 2015. Already 21 doctors have been promoted. All other county staff due for promotion the process is underway and is expected to be completed by Oct this year 2015. It is important to note that these promotions have been pending for more than 10 years. County governments have been in existence for less than three years. 2. ALLOWANCES: Payment of allowances has to be in concurrence with the National Government and the statutory bodies namely Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). SRC in a communication received last week asked to be given two weeks to resolve the matter. 3. SALARIES: Kirinyaga County Government has paid all its workers including health staff salaries for all the months worked to date. 4. SUPPLY OF DRUGS: Basic drugs to treat patient available. Additional drugs worth 28 million to serve the county for 3 month expected this week from KEMSA. Delay is supply of drugs is attributable to National Treasury delay is releasing fund to the Counties It is unfortunate that the health workers have been politically incited to strike and interrupt health services on issues that do not warrant any such drastic action. I direct that all health workers return to work on 8th September 2015 by 8.00am without fail. Failure to do so will result into disciplinary action for absconding duties. In the meantime, security has been beefed up to protect all workers who will resume work tomorrow morning.