The County Government of Machakos has announced a breakthrough on promotion of nurses, averting a strike which had been called by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) begining next week.
County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki announced the breakthrough on Saturday, January 11 at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital flanked by County Health Chief Executive Committee Member Justus Kasivu and Union officials.
Speaking at the Press briefing, Dr Ndambuki said the union had raised ten issues in their strike notice issued on December 23rd 2024 which had now been resolved following intensive consultation with the Union officials and a committee tasked to look into the matter by Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
“The Governor tasked us with the duty of negotiating with the nurses with strick instructions that the health of Machakos residents was paramount. We are happy to announce that there will be no strike on Monday as we have reached a breakthrough on the matter,” said Dr. Ndambuki.
According to the agreement, the promotion of the nurses will be done within the Financial Year 2024/2025 and in two phases beginning on the 31st of January 2025.
Staff about to retire, staff above 55 years and those who had suffered historical injustices related to promotions are to be given first priority.
A total of 121 nurses will be promoted under this category. Two staff members about to retire are set to be promoted. Suitability interviews for staff above 55 years will be conducted for 80 nurses and letters issued by the 17th March 2025.
Promotion of 28 enrolled nurses will also be done and letters issued by the same date. Phase one of the promotions will cover a total of 231 nurses, Dr Ndambuki said.
CECM Kasivu assured residents that there will be no interruption of services in the hospitals as the nurses will be on duty.
“The strike slated for this coming Monday on 13th will not take place. Those seeking for treatment should go to the hospitals and will be attended to,” said Kasivu.
He said the County Government had set aside a budget for the promotions and thanked the teams involved in the negotiations.
The CECM added that there were adequate medical supplies in the hospitals to ensure proper treatment of patients.
