The County Government of Machakos has taken a firm stance on the ongoing doctors’ strike, with Governor Wavinya Ndeti declaring that no payments will be made to striking doctors unless they resume their duties. During her recent development tour in Mwala Sub-county, Governor Ndeti reiterated that the strike, deemed illegal by the courts, will not be rewarded with pay, and she urged the doctors to comply with the law if they wished to avoid further financial repercussions.
In her address, Governor Ndeti clarified the county’s position, stating, “We cannot raise doctors’ salaries when employees in other departments have not received an increment.” This declaration came during the inauguration of the new Kyamutwii Dispensary in Mwala/Makutano Ward, where she emphasized that although many of the doctors’ demands had been met, a salary increase remains untenable under the current financial climate.
Governor Ndeti pointed out that the county has already acted on several of the healthcare workers’ requests, except for an upward salary revision. According to her, providing a raise to one sector would disrupt the county’s financial equilibrium and is unsustainable without broader economic reform and additional funding from the national government. The governor has highlighted that, in this fiscal period, the county government has been striving to meet various obligations while maintaining service delivery across all departments.
Her statement comes amid concerns over fairness to other public service departments that have yet to receive salary adjustments. Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi voiced his agreement with this perspective, highlighting that prioritizing one group could set a divisive precedent. “It is unfair to continually favor one sector at the expense of others,” he stated. Mwangangi also pointed out that upon Governor Ndeti’s assumption of office, significant progress had been made, including the promotion of 422 healthcare workers. He urged Members of Parliament to advocate for increased revenue allocations to counties, as national government funds have been insufficient to fully meet local needs.
Justus Kasiva, the Chief Officer for Medical Services, also weighed in on the matter, stating that while nurses and clinical officers had returned to work, doctors remained steadfast in their strike. He confirmed that the county government had withheld this month’s salaries for doctors who did not report to work and that no payments would be forthcoming unless they resumed their duties.
Governor Ndeti’s statements came during her tour of the Mwala Sub-county, where she presided over several key infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering healthcare and improving residents’ livelihoods. At Mwala Level 4 Hospital, Governor Ndeti inaugurated newly equipped X-ray and ultrasound rooms, facilities that will now relieve residents from the need to travel to Machakos Town for these services. The addition of these imaging facilities represents a significant upgrade for local healthcare, allowing timely diagnostic services within reach of the community.
In another notable development, Governor Ndeti launched the County Spatial Planning program at Kabaa Market, a project expected to have far-reaching effects on land security in the region. The initiative aims to provide title deeds for local residents’ plots, enhancing property rights and security in several major towns within Machakos County. By formalizing land ownership, the government intends to empower residents, granting them legal proof of ownership that can open up economic opportunities, including access to loans and credit facilities.
The news of these projects has been met with enthusiasm from local residents, who see them as transformative steps towards better healthcare services and stronger land ownership rights. Residents who attended the events expressed optimism, particularly regarding healthcare improvements and enhanced land security. One community member shared, “Having a well-equipped hospital nearby means we won’t have to spend extra on travel to access essential medical tests. And with title deeds, we can finally feel secure about our properties.”
Governor Ndeti’s administration has consistently focused on addressing healthcare needs and local economic empowerment, with these initiatives forming part of her broader agenda for development. Nevertheless, the standoff with doctors highlights the financial and logistical challenges counties face in balancing demands for improved public services with limited fiscal resources.
As the situation unfolds, both the county government and the doctors remain at a critical juncture, with the government holding firm on its decision not to pay striking workers and the doctors seeking resolution on their salary concerns. The county administration, however, hopes that the recent infrastructure investments in healthcare and the ongoing spatial planning projects will demonstrate their commitment to improving service delivery for all citizens in Machakos County.
