Nairobi health workers stage protests over delayed salaries, threaten to paralyse services

The county government said it had paid two months’ salary today and pledged to clear the pending arrears within one week.

The workers, under seven health unions, marched from Jeevanjee Gardens to the Nairobi county offices. They said the delay in salaries has disrupted their lives and those of their families.

"Imagine living in Nairobi without being paid for three months, you have school fees to pay, rent, it's not like we are walking to work, there are so many things. We went on strike and they have not implemented anything," Dr. Malindi Chao, secretary, KMPDU Nairobi branch, said.

"They committed to be paying every 5th day of the month. Look, it's been three months, we are being deducted loans and sacco and these monies are not being submitted," Stephene Muthama, chairperson, KUCO Nairobi branch, said.

The health workers threatened to continue with the strike and suspend health services in the city until their demands are met.

They are also claiming that they cannot access medical services after their Social Health Authority cover was suspended following delayed remittances.

"SHA came, it reduced our payslips. The housing levy came, and we are not being promoted. In this tough economy, we are living with the same salary from 10 years ago, 5 years ago. So by the time you see a healthcare worker on the street, we are not meant for the street. Honestly, hatupumui tena," Dr. Malindi Chao, secretary, KMPDU Nairobi branch, said.

"We have had the employer commit to these issues only for them to go back against the agreements. That’s part of why we are on the streets. We are wondering why we always sit at the table and discuss things that don't end up being implemented," Denis Oduor, secretary, KNUMLO Nairobi branch, said.

In response, County Executive Committee Member for Finance Charles Kerich said August and September salaries were paid on Thursday and pledged to settle the arrears within a week.

According to Kerich, the National Treasury has assured the county that the September equitable share allocation will be released this week of October to allow them to settle the arrears.

Meanwhile, Members of Parliament from Kiambu County have raised concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare in the county following a more than three-month doctors’ strike.

"We read that almost 136 infants have died in neonatal and paediatric wards due to the absence of personnel to administer care. Not less than 20 mothers have lost their lives during childbirth or preventable post-delivery complications, cases that would not have been fatal," Mburu Kahangara, MP, Lari, said.

"Hospitals in Kiambu county are in ICU. Hospitals themselves are sick. There are no medicines, no doctors," Alice Ng’ang’a, MP, Thika Town, said.

The leaders urged Governor Kimani Wamatangi to resolve the stalemate to ensure smooth service delivery for the residents of Kiambu.