No salaries for Kisumu doctors on strike as Nyong'o turns to employing others on short term contracts

Governor Nyong’o says the resolution has been reached after a cabinet meeting which resolved that no remuneration will be made for work not performed.

Nyongo says they consider the health care workers’ who have been away from duty as absconders and in line with the labour relations act, they do not deserve any payments.

“In accordance with the Labour Relations Act, the county will not provide remuneration forwork not performed. Therefore, healthcare workers who have not been present at their designated workplace and have withdrawn their services will not be remunerated for the corresponding period,” Nyong’o said in a statement on Thursday. 

He says that both the County Secretary and the public service board have already been directed to take necessary action.

Nyongo has also announced that the county is urgently seeking to employ doctors on short term contracts at JOOTRH to address the existing gap caused by the strike.

Nyongo says the measures are aimed at ensuring that there is continuous service delivery in the health sector and the well-being of the county residents.

He however affirms that the county is committed to addressing the grievances by the health care workers through a constructive dialogue process.

On his part, Kisumu County has met majority of the demands made by the striking doctors. 

He said the County has always employed doctors, provided them with a comprehensive medical scheme, released them for further studies and promoted them. 

“We have always made extra efforts to pay salaries on time with contingency plans in place whenever funds are not received in time from the national treasury. A circular has been issued for all staff to access Mortgage and Car Loan Schemes,” Nyongo said, adding that posting of interns is beyond the county government. 

The doctors’ strike that has lasted nearly a month has seen disruption of services in public hospitals. Other medical professionals such as clinical officers and nurses have since joined the strike. 

The medics, under bodies like Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have vowed not to relent until their demands are met.