Healthcare workers dismissed from work and asked to re-apply for positions

Molo, July 12, 2023.

By Emily Kadzo 

Nakuru County governor, Susan Kihika has refuted claims of irregular dismissal of health workers from work saying that they have an opportunity to re-apply for the positions.

The governor clarified that the workers’ contract had ended and as part of the new recruitment process, they are required to re-apply and be vetted in a bid to have the best candidates selected to serve the people. 

"The health workers complaining through the social media platforms should stop and follow to the letter, the new hiring process that prioritizes on individual performance, " said Kihika. 

She continued to say that the County government will not tolerate non-performing health workers as her administration is geared towards the provision of better healthcare services to the locals. 

"My administration is determined to ensure increased access to healthcare services across all healthcare facilities within the county by ensuring that terms of employment and working conditions for healthcare workers are improved," affirmed the governor. 

Among other reforms made in this sector to have quality healthcare services to the residents of Nakuru county include digitizing healthcare services, adequate budget for procuring drugs and other medical supplies, and equipping stalled health projects.

The health workers, through their union (Kenya Union of Clinical Officers) had issued the governor a one-week ultimatum to renew their contract or in default down their tools on 14th July.  

The contracts have not been renewed for the over 500 health workers but other new staff were recruited and began working from 1st July of this year. 

Kihika made her remarks during an inspection tour of Olenguruone sub-county hospital revealing that the Sh. 44 million has been allocated for the completion of its outpatient wing. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A