Waiguru reinstates 72 suspended health workers, agrees to pay 3-year salary arrears

She has also agreed to pay their salary arrears dating back to 2019 when they had been suspended following a strike by medical workers.

In a meeting with the medics held on Wednesday at the Governor’s official residence in Kagio, Waiguru revealed she has also renewed contracts for 388 health workers who include 252 nurses, 73 clinical officers, 18 medical officers, 30 medical lab technologists, 4 dental officers, 4 radiographers, 2 pharmacists and 5 orthopedic trauma technologists. 

The contracts will run for the next three years.

The governor said that the 72 practitioners have been paid their May and June salaries and will be paid their arrears in phases as per the binding agreement between the county government and the medics.

She said that a total budget of Ksh.280 million has been set aside to take care of the health workers' pay, noting that 60% of the county’s budget goes to the health sector to cater for both the development and recurrent needs of the sector.

Waiguru also promised to absorb the medics into permanent and pensionable terms in her next term as governor. She however urged them to continue giving their best to the residents noting that the county’s healthcare provision has greatly improved.

“Our aim is to make Kirinyaga a world-class model in the provision of health services,” said the governor.

The reinstated medics expressed their gratitude and confirmed having received their May and June salaries in arrears. They pledged to continue rendering high-quality services to the people of Kirinyaga and thanked the governor for reinstating them into the payroll. 

They said that the move will enable them to live a more dignified life and motivate them further in their service.

The governor reiterated her commitment to supporting the medical fraternity as they served the county residents. 

“The welfare of our medical practitioners remains an integral aspect of our health service delivery and we strive to ensure that they operate within a conducive work environment,” said the governor.