The fight against Covid-19 has suffered a setback in Kericho after about 100 and clinical officers went on strike on Friday, demanding risk allowances and contract renewal.
The strike was still underway on Sunday.
Marching in Kericho town last Friday, the health officers converged outside Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony's office. They demanded to know why their hazard allowances were not paid, despite the county receiving Covid funds from the naional government.
Public Service Board member Edna Ruto was at first unable to answer striker's questions. Later she reassured them that outstanding allowances and contracts would be addressed.
After shouting at Ruto, the nurses and clinical officers calmed down.
Health CEC Dr Shadrack Mutai and chief officer Dr David Ekwan were not at the governor's office to address the crowd.
CEC Mutai did not respond to test messages explaining why nurses and medics lacked hazard pay, contracts and protective equipment.
As Covid cases increase in Kericho, the nurses and clinical officers accused the county of unfilfulled promises, despiting putting them at risk by not giving them proper equipment and PPEs.
On Friday evening. Ruto met Dr Ekwam and top finance officers to hammer out a formula to pay the strikers.
(Edited by V. Graham)
