Bungoma nurses have threatened to go on strike in two weeks if the county fails to implement agreements contained in CBA signed last year.
Kenya National Union of Nurses Bungoma branch officials said their members will down tools in the next 14 days if Governor Wycliffe Wangamati's administration fails to heed their calls.
Branch secretary general George Barasa on Monday said the Collective Bargaining Agreements are yet to be implemented six months on.
“We went on strike last year and health services in public facilities were disrupted until the county engaged us and promised us to implement what we had discussed, but unfortunately, they haven’t done as was agreed,” Barasa said.
He spoke to the Star at Bungoma Red Cross offices on Monday. He said the talks are yet to bear fruits.
“Bungoma residents should be prepared to seek health services from private sectors because all public facilities will be pulling out from work after 14 days if the county will have still have neglected our call,” he said.
The unionist said the county had contracted nurses who were to be promoted after staying in the same position since 2007.
“The county advertised jobs on its website...but up to date we have never received information highlighting those who qualified in various positions,” he said.
He also said there was a shortage of nurses in Bungoma public health facilities, adding that the union had tried engaging the county, but they have never responded positively.
“Nurses are being overworked with poor pay. During Covid-19 pandemic, some of us were forced to work without protective gear thus risking their lives,” he said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)