Natembeya Vows Permanent Employment for Contract Nurses in Trans Nzoia
The focus will now shift to the Public Service Board and county cabinet discussions which will determine the speed of proposed changes and the potential of other counties to adopt similar changes.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has committed to upgrading one-year contracts for newly hired health workers into permanent and pensionable roles which will enhance job security for the health workers in the county.
The governor announced the new policy to appoint staff members during his Monday appointment letter distribution to the newly hired employees.
Natembeya indicated that his administration will work together with the County Public Service Board and the county cabinet to support the transition from short-term contracts to permanent employment.
The newly recruited officers who had received one-year contracts responded with applause to his announcement that he will work with the board to implement these changes. The decision comes at a time when counties are grappling with high staff turnover and low morale among healthcare workers on temporary terms. The county government will create permanent positions to establish workforce stability which will enable ongoing delivery of vital medical services.
The governor warned against corruption despite guaranteeing job security since he considered integrity as the essential requirement for ongoing employment.
“The health sector exists to provide services to the public. You were hired because you qualified,” he said.
He warned that any worker found to have secured employment through bribery or irregular processes would face dismissal and possible legal action.
“If I find out that anyone paid to influence the hiring process, they will be dismissed and taken to court,” he cautioned.
Natembeya required the new staff members to deliver exceptional healthcare services while he emphasized the significance of accountability and professionalism.
He raised concerns about the recruitment process because there were only few applicants who succeeded in Trans Nzoia County. The Public Service Board should prioritize hiring local candidates during upcoming recruitment processes according to him.
“We must ensure our people benefit first from these opportunities,” he said, adding that fair representation is key to inclusive development.
His comments describe the difficulty that counties experience when trying to maintain merit-based hiring processes while meeting local hiring expectations.
The announcement has been welcomed by the new health workers who had previously shown confusion about their upcoming dedication to short-term contracts. The new permanent and pensionable terms will provide them with financial security while acknowledging their contribution to essential healthcare work.
Health sector stakeholders report that the planned actions would boost service delivery because they will enhance employee motivation which will decrease turnover and help attract talented workers to the county.
The majority of Kenyan counties face staff shortages and resource constraints which include Trans Nzoia County. The governor’s pledge will enable health system improvements which will enhance patient access to high-quality care.
The focus will now shift to the Public Service Board and county cabinet discussions which will determine the speed of proposed changes and the potential of other counties to adopt similar changes.
About Author
