Health workers in 12 counties will down tools starting Wednesday next week over non-payment of salaries, six unions representing them have announced.
In a letter to the counties, the health workers said they will not be able to attend work as scheduled as of April 19, 2023, due to the non-payment of their previous month's salaries and statutory deductions.
The health workers also cited occasional delays in salary payment in other months as their reason for striking.
The unions said the health workers are in a difficult financial situation and “as a result, they are unable to meet their daily needs, including transportation, food, and accommodation expenses”.
The health workers are drawn from Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyamira, Kisii, Murang’a, Nyeri, Laikipia, Bomet, Nyamira, Embu, Vihiga and Taita Taveta.
The unions were quick to point out that the letter is not a strike notice, but rather a demonstration of the inability of members to attend work due to a lack of resources.
The joint letter to the counties was signed by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists, Kenya Health Professional Society and Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dieticians.
The unions added that they recognise that the provision of quality healthcare is critical to the country and they remain committed to fulfilling our obligations to patients and the community at large.
“However, we cannot continue to work under such conditions, as it has become increasingly difficult for our members to meet their basic needs. We urge you to urgently address this matter and ensure that our members receive their salaries on time to avoid further disruption of services,” the letter said.
The health workers said they remain open to further discussions with you and hope for a speedy resolution to the matter.
