Kisii Governor James Ongwae has called on the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) to embrace dialogue with County Governments to avert industrial action over terms and conditions of service.
Speaking at the Gusii Stadium while launching the Nurses Week, Governor Ongwae asked union leaders to discuss with Counties instead of issuing ultimatums on matters regarding their welfare.
Nurses drawn from 15 Counties converged at the Gusii Stadium for the launch whose theme is: Nurses a Force for Change: Health System Resilience in the Devolved Units. The week will culminate in a National event in Kilifi County on May 12.
In his remarks, KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako warned that nurses will down their tools starting July 1st 2016 if their welfare issues are not addressed by Counties.
“I have heard your issues. The Council of Governors was working to ensure that all Counties sign the recognition agreement (RBA) so that we can centralize discussions for harmony across the devolved units. Let us embrace the spirit of dialogue on the issue,” urged Ongwae who chairs CoG’s Labour and Human Resource and Social Welfare Committee.
He said over 800 health workers including nurses had been employed in Kisii County over the past three years to improve service provision to residents.
“Most Counties are constrained in terms of resources because much as we have taken over healthcare issues, not all functions have been devolved. All associations need to push the Government to allocate more resources to Counties to ensure we address these issues. For instance, resources for training and capacity building are with National Government,” he added.
Governor Ongwae dispelled the notion that Counties had not moved forward the health agenda saying such arguments were not valid.
Deputy Governor Joash Maangi thanked nurses unions for the good working relationship with the County Government. He said nurses play a critical role in the health sector adding that they needed support.
KNUN Secretary General, Mr. Panyako, singled Kisii County for praise saying under the leadership of Governor Ongwae, nurses welfare issues had been fully addressed, the reason why no strike had been experienced.
“Kisii has done well in handling welfare issues for nurses and other Counties should emulate the good example,” he said.
Reforms at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), amendment of the administration clause in the Health Bill, operationalization of a pension scheme, harmonization of salaries and allowances are among the issues nurses want addressed.
