Nurses in Machakos County are on the brink of a strike as they demand immediate action on long-standing issues of delayed promotions and inadequate medical supplies. Led by Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Machakos Branch Secretary Michael Saka, the health workers issued a stern warning on Thursday, giving the County Government a 21-day notice to address their grievances or face industrial action.
Saka highlighted that over 1,015 nurses have been stuck in the same job group for the past seven years, despite promises from the Governor earlier this year to expedite promotions. While some nurses have seen progress, the majority are still awaiting promotions and payment of overdue arrears.
“The Governor promised promotions by January this year. While some have been promoted, many of us have not. We appreciate efforts made so far but insist on fairness for all,” stated Saka during a press briefing in Machakos.
In addition to promotions, Saka emphasized the critical need for essential medical supplies across all health facilities in the county. He lamented that the lack of supplies, including basic items like food at Machakos Level Five Hospital, has severely compromised patient care, forcing reliance on provisions brought in by relatives.
Saka also raised concerns over the exodus of nurses to foreign countries for better opportunities, with approximately 250 nurses leaving in the past three years. This departure has exacerbated staff shortages, with remaining nurses facing increased workloads and inability to take leave.
“We urge the County Government to prioritize human resources in healthcare. The workforce must be supported even as infrastructure is improved,” Saka urged, pointing out the need to redeploy specialized nurses who have completed advanced training but remain unassigned to specific units like ICU or renal care.
The KNUN Machakos Branch Secretary concluded by calling for immediate action from the County Government to avert the impending strike and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across Machakos County.
Local authorities are yet to respond to these pressing demands as tensions escalate within the healthcare sector.
