Tharaka Nithi County requests suspension of salaries for striking health employees

In a letter to Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, Tharaka Nithi's Health CEC Dr. Gichuyia Nthuraku said the decision by the staff to abscond from duty affected the health services within the county. 

He added that 138 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) officers did not show up for work between January and February 2025. On the other hand, 117 staff members absconded from duty from January 20, 2025, while 21 officers were absent from February 18, 2025. 

To that effect, the Health CEC requested the government to stop the salary payments of these officers and also recover money from the salaries each earned without working. 

"A list of the officers who are currently absent from duty as well as the dates from which they absconded from duty, is attached for your reference," the letter read in part. 

The development comes as the county staff had gone on strike for months over grievances regarding their contracts that they termed exploitative. 

In response, Health CS Aden Duale vowed to deal with their issues, especially matters concerning permanent employment and salary increments.