Elders want state to dialogue with nurses to end strike

Butsotso community elders in Kakamega have urged the national government to  dialogue with nurses and clinical officers to end their strike.

The health workers started their strike on Monday to demand PPE, employment of all medics on locums and contracts, payment of risk allowances, and promotions.

Butsotso community secretary general Shiroko Shilenje said on Wednesday that poor Kenyans are suffering as a result of the strike.

“People who live in the villages are usually served by nurses and clinical officers in our dispensaries and if the strike continues, it means our people will die of malaria, tetanus, cholera and other treatable diseases,” he said.

Shilenje appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to hold talks with the nurses' union secretary general Seth Panyako to ensure nurses return to work.

Edited by A.N