Machakos health workers suspend strike after deal with Governor Wavinya

Healthcare workers in Machakos County have called off next week's scheduled strike after meeting with Governor Wavinya Ndeti who promised to address their grievances.

Governor Wavinya, in a press address after the meeting, said promotions were long overdue, hence effecting them was a way of motivating the medical practitioners to work and serve well.

Wavinya confirmed that promotion letters of 422 health workers will be ready by Friday next week, further reassuring them that the county will look into their welfare.

The county chief added that her government will set up committees in various health facilities, including hospitals and dispensaries, to ensure smooth and efficient running of services.

Her sentiments were echoed by her deputy Francis Mwangangi who noted that the Machakos health care systems also support the surrounding regions, hence a go-slow in the county could lead to multiple dire consequences all round.

DG Mwangangi regretted that it was sad for the medics to have stayed for over 10 years without promotion, adding that the situation will change moving forward.

Albanus Mutisya, the Chairman the County Public Service Board, promised that there will be no more accumulation of promotion letters, adding that negotiations are ongoing for the elevation of 600 other health workers.

Dr Charles Okumu, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists Dentists Union (KPMDU) Lower Eastern Region Chairperson, said the strike notice they recently issued has been suspended due to goodwill from the county government.

Dr. Okumu said the Governor Wavinya administration was committed to reviewing the second phase of promotions and that there will be no discrimination in the process henceforth.

The medical officials were drawn from various unions namely KPMDU, Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Kenya National Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO),Union of Laboratory Officers, as well as the Union of Kenya Health Professionals Society.