Eldoret Streets Filled as Uasin Gishu Healthcare Workers Protest Over CBA, UHC Terms
Other placards boldly displayed messages such as “Implement RTWA Now!”, “No Promotion, No Work” and “Implement CBA NOW!”
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Business came to a standstill in Eldoret town on Tuesday as hundreds of healthcare workers staged a major demonstration to demand better working conditions from the Uasin Gishu County Government.
The workers, drawn from various health facilities across the county, took to the streets as early as 8 AM, clad in white lab coats, chanting, dancing and carrying placards and banners to express their frustration with Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration.
According to the protesting medics who include members of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and clinical officers, the county has failed to honor several agreements that were meant to improve their welfare.
At the center of their protest is the failure by the county to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for nurses and clinical officers, and the continued employment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers on contract terms instead of confirming them on permanent and pensionable terms.
A large banner carried by the demonstrators read: “Kenya National Union of Nurses – Uasin Gishu Branch” and “We Demand Better Healthcare Services For All – Implementation of RTWF and Social Justice For All.”
Other placards boldly displayed messages such as “Implement RTWA Now!”, “No Promotion, No Work” and “Implement CBA NOW!”
The health workers marched from the Eldoret town center through the main streets, with videos showing them singing solidarity songs as a boda boda rider with a yellow helmet escorted them. The peaceful but noisy procession attracted the attention of residents and traders, with many watching from shop verandas.
Leaders of the group said they have been patient for too long. They accused the county government of employing delaying tactics and failing to promote healthcare workers who have remained in the same job group for over a decade despite acquiring additional qualifications.
They further decried staff shortages in public hospitals, saying the few available staff are overworked, underpaid and demoralized.
“We are here because we are tired. The governor promised us that our issues would be addressed. Our UHC colleagues are suffering, they have no job security. The CBA that was signed has not been implemented. We want action, not promises,” a nurse who led the protests said.
The strike has severely paralyzed health services in the county. Patients who had turned up for routine check-ups and clinics in Eldoret were forced to seek services in private hospitals where costs are much higher.
The union has now vowed to keep off duty until the county government commits in writing and shows goodwill.
Governor Jonathan Bii is yet to officially respond to the latest demonstrations, even as pressure mounts from the public to resolve the health crisis that threatens to worsen in the coming days if no deal is reached.
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