KNUN SG Criticizes Uasin Gishu Governor Over Prolonged Nurses’ Strike
In addition to his criticism of the county leadership, Panyako called on President William Ruto to intervene, describing the health crisis in Uasin Gishu as a “national embarrassment” in the President’s political backyard.
The Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Seth Panyako, has condemned Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii for failing to address the ongoing nurses’ strike, now in its 11th day. The strike has crippled operations in all public health facilities in the county, leaving thousands of residents without essential medical care.
Speaking at a press briefing in Eldoret, Panyako criticized the county administration’s inaction. “Governor Jonathan Bii and his administration have shown no indication of resolving the ongoing strike. They lack empathy for the residents of Uasin Gishu County,” he stated.
Panyako further warned that if the stalemate is not resolved by January 15, services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), the region’s largest medical facility, would also be affected. “We will demand that all our nurses at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital down their tools since the county has no urgency in addressing pressing nurses’ issues,” he declared.
The nurses are protesting overdue allowances, poor working conditions, and lack of promotions. With the strike ongoing, overwhelmed residents have turned to MTRH, leading to long queues and strained resources. “Residents are forced to queue and flood at the referral hospital because the county health system is in shambles,” Panyako added.
In addition to his criticism of the county leadership, Panyako called on President William Ruto to intervene, describing the health crisis in Uasin Gishu as a “national embarrassment” in the President’s political backyard. He proposed reverting the county’s healthcare management to the national government until a capable administration is in place. “If the county cannot manage healthcare effectively, it is time the system is taken back to the national government for proper oversight,” Panyako added.
The Uasin Gishu KNUN Secretary, Klein Kimutai, echoed Panyako’s concerns, revealing that the county government has failed to engage in meaningful discussions. “The county has failed to reply to two of our letters. We have been in discussions for three years, yet they cited being on Christmas holiday and said talks could only resume on January 7,” Kimutai stated.
Background of Grievances and Protests
The ongoing strike is part of a series of unresolved issues. On Friday, nurses from Uasin Gishu County staged protests outside the governor’s office in Eldoret, expressing frustration with the county’s failure to address their longstanding grievances.
Led by Kimutai, the nurses accused the county leadership of neglect, highlighting its absence at scheduled meetings with the Ministry of Labour to resolve their concerns. “We are tired of empty promises. Our members have been stagnating in the same positions for years without promotions, despite funds being set aside for this purpose. The leadership has failed us,” Kimutai stated during the protests.
The nurses also demanded the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers into permanent roles, arguing that these workers, instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, deserve job security. “These are healthcare workers who were at the forefront during the pandemic, risking their lives for the community. It is unacceptable that they are still being kept on temporary contracts,” Kimutai added.
The protests disrupted activities around the governor’s office and emphasized the urgency of resolving the grievances. Nurses vowed not to return to work until their demands are fully addressed, raising concerns about a prolonged healthcare crisis in Uasin Gishu County.
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