The County Government of Machakos will hire some 500 nurses in a move aimed at addressing the spiraling healthcare crisis triggered by nurses’ strike
Governor Wavinya Ndeti yesterday directed the department of Health to liaise with the County Public Service Board to immediately advertise 500 positions left void after nurses downed their tools nearly two weeks ago over unmet demands.
Addressing the press at her office in Machakos town, Wavinya also directed the department of public service to stop nurses’ union deductions pending the streamlining of union contribution procedure which has been flagged as ‘unprocedural.’
“The department of health is hereby directed to initiate the process of hiring 500 nurses and escalate the same to the County Public Service Board to advertise and recruit. This is immediate,” governor Wavinya declared.
She went on, “My administration takes great exception at the confusion surrounding Union membership and methods of contribution. I hereby direct the county public service to cease any union deductions to Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives from the payroll until the matter has been addressed.”
Citing the collapse of negotiations between the nurses’ union officials and senior officials of the county government, the governor noted she could no longer sit back and watch as healthcare services deteriorate. She accused the nurses’ officials of working in cahoots with some politicians she did not mention to mudslide her government.
“I am disturbed by the disruption of services in our healthcare institutions across the county, occasioned by the nationwide strike by nurses which entered its 12th day today (yesterday). I wish to call upon the nurses and midwives to put the interest of the People of Machakos first and give a further chance to dialogue in order to stem further suffering of patients across the county,” she said.
Wavinya took a swipe at Senator Agnes Kavindu, who last week castigated her administration for failure to end the nurses’ strike, challenging her to also up her game in driving legislation that favor allocation of more resources to the counties.
The governor pointed out there were serious gaps that the senate needed to address such as the unbundling of devolved functions and funds to follow the same functions.
“I call upon my sister, the Senator of Machakos, to direct her immense energy to ensure this matter which is long overdue is brought to closure. This will go a long way in addressing the challenges that continue to rock the health sector in Machakos and other counties. I also invite her to push for legislation that automatically reimburses hospitals Social Health Authority (SHA) funds to avert cash challenges in hospitals,” she said.
But in a swift rejoinder, Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives secretary, Machakos Chapter, Michael Saka urged the governor to tone done on the threats and engage the nurses openly.
“We are ready to dialogue with the County government. We plead with the governor to accept to engage us with an open mind devoid of threats in order to bring to an end the current crisis,” said Saka.
He denied claims that the nurses’ union officials were engaging in clandestine overtures with political operatives opposed to governor Wavinya’s administration.
