By Hilda Atika
Health workers in the Western Region involved in the Universal Health Care (UHC) programme have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, demanding to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms. They have warned that failure to meet their demands will result in a total shutdown of hospitals across the counties.
The protest was led by representatives from Vihiga County, Bungoma County, Busia County, and Kakamega County, who gathered at the Kakamega County General Hospital. From there, they marched through the streets to the office of the governor, calling for their demands to be addressed.
Emmanuel Kibui, a UHC staff member from Bungoma, explained that the issue of impunity in employment terms began in 2020. In response, the healthcare workers have organised a regional peaceful demonstration to voice their concerns.
The protesters called on Cabinet Secretary for Health, Deborah Mulongo; Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni; Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Harry Kimtai; and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, as well as other governors from the Western region, to clarify whether it is a crime for the government to convert UHC staff into permanent, pensionable positions.
The healthcare workers expressed frustration over being paid only half of what their permanently employed counterparts receive, despite doing the same job under equal conditions.
“We are unable to pay rent, pursue further studies, or meet our basic needs. This is just the beginning, and we want to send a clear message to President William Ruto and Health CS Deborah Mulongo. We are giving them a 14-day ultimatum. If our demands are not met, there will be a total shutdown of this country’s hospitals. There will be no service delivery,” they warned.
The protesters emphasised their commitment to unity, which they claimed had never been experienced before, and vowed to continue their demonstrations until every individual’s demands were met.
The healthcare workers reflected on their sacrifices during the COVID-19 crisis, noting that they risked their lives at a time of national emergency with the belief that they would be rewarded. However, they felt that their concerns had been ignored.
The protesters also highlighted promises made by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who had assured them over the past month that they would be confirmed into permanent positions. Yet, they are approaching their fifth year on contract. Additionally, former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha had pledged that all UHC workers would be confirmed within one year, but nothing had materialised.
They questioned President Ruto’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, stressing that the programme cannot succeed without addressing the plight of the workers.
“Community Health Promoters (CHP) cannot work in the health department alone. Pregnant women cannot give birth in health facilities, and the Social Health Authority (SHA) will not function without healthcare workers,” the representatives asserted.
In response to the protests, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service and Administration, Dr Bonface Okoth, and the Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr David Alilah, acknowledged the ongoing picketing by healthcare workers. They revealed that forums would be held with governors and chief officers from various counties to address the demands raised.
