Cleaning staff at Kakamega County Referral Hospital have staged a strike, citing unpaid wages for the past six months. The workers, frustrated by the prolonged delay, have vowed not to resume their duties until they receive their salaries.
According to the affected workers, they have been struggling to make ends meet, yet there has been no clear communication regarding when they will be paid. Many have expressed their frustration, stating that they are unable to support their families or meet their financial obligations.
One of the cleaners lamented the situation, saying, “Whenever we ask about our pay, we are told the funds are available and will be disbursed soon. However, months have passed, and we are still waiting.”
Another worker, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of victimization, shared their distress: “We have children to take to school and other responsibilities to fulfill, but without payment, life has become unbearable. We feel abandoned, like orphans.”
The strike has drawn attention to the plight of the workers and the management’s handling of their grievances. While the cleaning staff work under a contractor, Kakamega County’s leadership has distanced itself from the issue. The County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of health, Peninah Mukabane, clarified that the county government is not responsible for the delay. She stated that the contractor responsible for hiring the workers had already received payment from the hospital’s management.
“The contractor was paid, and it is their responsibility to ensure the workers receive their wages. The county has fulfilled its part,” she said.
Despite this, the contractor in question was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. Workers remain adamant that they will not return to work until they receive their overdue payments. Their absence has raised concerns over hospital sanitation, as their duties are essential for maintaining hygiene within the facility.
The strike highlights the broader issue of delayed payments for contracted workers, a recurring problem in various sectors. Many workers employed under third-party contractors face similar challenges, often left in limbo when payment disputes arise between employers and intermediaries.
As the strike continues, patients and hospital staff are already feeling the impact of the missing cleaning personnel. The hospital, which serves a large population, relies on the cleaning staff to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent the spread of infections.
The workers are now calling on relevant authorities to intervene and ensure they receive their rightful dues. Until then, they remain steadfast in their decision not to resume work, demanding justice for the months of unpaid labor.
