Sector worsens as health workers strike
Health workers in Mombasa protest over poor pay on the streets of the town on February 23, 2017. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- KHPS Mombasa branch secretary-general Joash Matonda said though they are poorly paid, they have been working since doctors went on strike.
- Talks between the county government and union officials were held at the Public Health Department offices in Mwembe Tayari.
Health workers in Mombasa have downed their tools, demanding allowances, resolution of salary discrepancies and an end to discrimination.
Members of the Kenya Health Professionals Society (KHPS) marched to Governor Hassan Joho's office to present their grievances.
They include clinical officers, morticians, lab technicians and pharmacists.
KHPS Mombasa branch secretary-general Joash Matonda said though they are poorly paid, they have been working since doctors went on strike.
Chanting "Punda amechoka (The donkey is exhausted), the health professionals urged the county government to treat them with dignity.
County Secretary Francis Thoya told them to be patient as officials try to address their grievances with their union leaders.
"'The governor is not around. I am here as his representative and I have heard your issues. We are expecting cash, the meeting will resolve the impasse," Mr Thoya said.
The protest caused a major traffic jam along Abdul Farsy Road.
Talks between the county government and union officials were held at the Public Health Department offices in Mwembe Tayari.
Meanwhile, the doctors’ strike continues as the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union try to resolve an impasse that has lasted at least three months.
Nurses had also boycotted work but later abandoned their protest after successful talks with the Health ministry and the Kenya National Union of Nurses.
