Bungoma County Governor, Kenneth Lusaka, has urged striking nurses to engage in dialogue to resolve their grievances and restore healthcare services disrupted since January 13. The strike, which followed the expiry of a 21-day notice issued by the nurses’ union, has left residents in need of medical attention facing significant challenges.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony for a modern neonatal unit at Naitiri Sub-County Hospital in Tongaren, Lusaka emphasized the importance of constructive engagement between the county government and the nursing staff. He highlighted that while he understood the issues raised by the nurses, dialogue remained the best solution for both parties. “The well-being of our people depends on a functioning healthcare system, and we must collaborate to find a solution,” Lusaka said.
The nurses’ strike is a result of unresolved issues related to their working conditions, including promotions, health insurance coverage, and delayed implementation of agreed-upon salary schemes. Nurses in Bungoma, represented by union official David Wamalwa, have raised concerns over systemic oppression and a lack of recognition for their contributions to patient care. They argued that, despite being at the frontline of healthcare delivery, they are often undervalued compared to other healthcare workers.
According to Wamalwa, key issues include the county’s failure to promote nurses as promised, the non-implementation of a 17-tier grading structure, and the delay in redesignating specialized nurses to better utilize their expertise. Additionally, the nurses have criticized the county for not providing comprehensive health insurance and failing to remit statutory deductions on time. They also lament the non-implementation of the National Registered CBA for seconded nurses.
In response to the strike, Lusaka assured the nurses of the county government’s commitment to addressing their concerns. He revealed that the county had recently posted an additional 568 health workers, a move aimed at ensuring the continuity of medical services. “Healthcare remains a top priority for my administration,” he reiterated, calling on all stakeholders to work together to safeguard the health and lives of Bungoma residents.
The Governor’s plea for dialogue comes amid growing concerns about the strike’s impact on the delivery of healthcare services in the county. With the strike now in its fourth day, the county’s health system is under strain, and patients seeking care are facing delays and challenges in accessing critical services.
The ongoing standoff between the county government and nurses highlights broader issues within Kenya’s healthcare system, particularly the need for better recognition and support for nurses, who often bear the brunt of patient care despite their vital role in the healthcare hierarchy. The situation in Bungoma serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to ensure the smooth functioning of the country’s healthcare system, ultimately benefiting the citizens who depend on it.
