Meru County Health Workers Urged to End Strike Amid Disruptions

Meru County Secretary Dr. Kiambi Athiru has issued a fervent plea for health workers in the county to end their ongoing strike, which has severely disrupted public health services across the region. Speaking from his office, Dr. Athiru emphasized that the county government is actively addressing the workers’ concerns and is committed to restoring normalcy in healthcare delivery.

The strike, which has lasted for over a month, has caused significant challenges for residents who have struggled to access essential medical care. Dr. Athiru acknowledged the impact of the strike, highlighting that many individuals have been left without crucial health services as a result of the disruption.

To address some of the grievances raised by the health workers, Dr. Athiru revealed that the county government has allocated Ksh211 million specifically for promotions. This funding includes provisions for clinical officers in the common cadre, who are set to receive their promotion letters by September 13. This move is aimed at recognizing and rewarding the hard work of these medical professionals and improving their morale.

Additionally, Dr. Athiru mentioned that he has submitted a formal request to the Public Service Board for the promotion of non-common cadre staff. This step is part of the county government’s broader effort to address the staffing and career progression issues that have been a major point of contention for the striking workers.

Despite these assurances, the health workers, who have been voicing their frustrations through protests in Meru Town, have maintained their stance. They have vowed to continue their strike until all their grievances are fully addressed. Their demands include immediate promotions, increased staffing, and the replacement of retired or deceased colleagues.

Upper Eastern KMPDU Chairman Denis Mugambi has been vocal about the underlying issues contributing to the strike. He highlighted that a significant number of health workers have retired without being replaced, exacerbating the existing staffing shortages. Mugambi also dismissed allegations that the strike is politically motivated. Instead, he pointed to promises made by Governor Kawira Mwangaza during her 2022 campaign. Mwangaza had pledged to tackle health workers’ issues comprehensively, including addressing promotions, staffing levels, and statutory deductions.

The workers’ protests in Meru Town reflect their urgent need for a resolution to these longstanding issues. Their demands for increased staffing and prompt promotions are seen as critical to improving the working conditions within the county’s health sector. The strike has not only impacted healthcare delivery but has also brought to light the broader systemic challenges facing Meru County’s health services.

In response to the ongoing strike and the concerns raised by the workers, the county government has reiterated its commitment to finding a resolution. Dr. Athiru’s call for an end to the strike underscores the administration’s intent to address the issues in a timely manner while ensuring that public health services are restored to their full capacity.

The situation remains tense as both sides work towards a resolution. The county government’s efforts to address the workers’ demands, including financial allocations for promotions and staffing improvements, are critical steps in resolving the crisis. However, the effectiveness of these measures in ending the strike will depend on the workers’ reception and the subsequent actions taken to fulfill the remaining demands.

As Meru County continues to navigate this challenging period, the focus will remain on balancing the immediate needs of the healthcare system with the long-term goal of improving conditions for its dedicated health workers. The resolution of this strike is essential not only for the well-being of the county’s residents but also for the restoration of trust and cooperation between the county government and its health professionals.