More than 200 Universal Healthcare workers in Kajiado County have lamented over not receiving pay in the last four months.
This happened even after their contracts were renewed last June, forcing the 211 workers to move out of their rental homes after it became evident they could not pay their rent.
Their leader (name withheld) claimed the workers were not able to service their National Health Insurance Fund due to a delay in salary payment.
“We are being forced to report to work in the local hospitals on empty stomachs. If we do not report, we are punished and even sacked,” their leader told the Star on Wednesday morning.
He said their children are no longer attending school because of lack of money.
The workers are spread over all the subcounties of Kajiado in North, Central, West, East, South and Mashuuru.
They complement the health workers in all the county hospitals in Kajiado.
When contacted for comment, the county public service board secretary, Noel Tayiai, said the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi is working to resolve the delay.
“All the UNHC workers in the counties are paid by the MoH, and the matter is being attended to now,” Tayai said.
Tayai said he talked to the Ministry of Health officials on Tuesday and he was assured the workers would be paid soon.
“This is not happening in Kajiado alone but in three other counties. Other workers in 44 counties have received their salaries,” Tayai said.
