By Erick Wanjala
Clinical workers and nurses in Nairobi County have raised alarm over delayed salary payments, warning that they may be forced to down their tools if the issue is not addressed urgently.
The health workers, who spoke on Thursday, said they have gone for more than 3 months without pay, a situation they described as “untenable” given the rising cost of living.
“We cannot continue working under these conditions. We have families to feed, rent to pay, and basic needs to take care of. Yet the county has not shown commitment to resolve the matter,” said one nurses
Their union representatives accused the county administration of neglecting frontline workers despite their critical role in delivering healthcare. They warned that if the arrears are not settled soon, a strike notice will be issued
“Delays in paying health workers compromise service delivery in hospitals and health centers. Patients will suffer if the county keeps ignoring our plight yet the dialogue with county officials yielded little progress.,” said Branch Secretary Kenya national union of nurses .
Residents have also expressed concern that a looming strike could paralyze operations in hospitals, especially as the county grapples with outbreaks of malaria and waterborne diseases.
The county government, through CEC Suzanne Silantoi , acknowledged the delay but attributed it to late disbursement of funds from the National Treasury. “We are working around the clock to resolve the matter and ensure health workers are paid their dues within the shortest time possible,” the CEC Said.
Meanwhile, the health workers maintained that unless concrete action is taken, they will have no choice but to withdraw their services, potentially plunging the county’s health sector into crisis.
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