Nairobi County defends handling of health workers’ grievances amid ongoing strike

Appearing before the County Assembly Health Committee, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, Suzanne Silantoi, outlined the steps taken by the county to address concerns raised by health practitioners. She emphasised that it would be unreasonable for unions to sustain industrial action while the county continues to implement solutions in good faith.

Silantoi noted that more than eight key issues raised by health workers have been substantively addressed, including the functionality of the medical insurance scheme, pending gratuity payments, delayed promotions, issuance of confirmation letters, salary arrears for consultants, and previously withheld salaries, many of which have now been cleared.

On medical cover, the county clarified that the scheme is fully operational, with measures in place to strengthen compliance and ensure sustainability. “The issue regarding medical insurance has been resolved. The scheme is operational, and the county has committed to remitting monthly Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions alongside timely quarterly payments,” Silantoi told the committee.

Regarding promotions, which remain a key outstanding issue, the county highlighted the fiscal realities facing devolved governments. Nairobi’s health sector wage bill currently stands at approximately Sh8 billion, and implementing the proposed promotions across the board could increase the wage bill by up to 150 per cent, potentially breaching public finance regulations.

“Promotions for common cadres from Job Groups M to N and N to P will be concluded by June 30, 2026. However, promotions must be implemented in a structured and realistic manner to ensure compliance with the approved wage bill and safeguard the sustainability of health services,” Silantoi said.

The county reiterated its commitment to continued dialogue and constructive engagement with all unions. It assured health workers that no officer would face victimisation for participating in industrial action and urged them to resume duty while remaining issues are addressed.

City Hall also underscored its constitutional obligation to safeguard access to healthcare for Nairobi residents, warning that prolonged strikes risk undermining service delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.