Nairobi County Nurses, Laboratory Officers, Pharmaceutical Technologists, and Public Health Officers have downed their tools due to salary delays In a letter, seen by Kenyans.co ke, directed to the county secretary and head of staff, as well as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, the medics' heads said that the strike was due to the delayed payment of June salaries, which contravenes the Employment Act,2007, section 18(1).
Confirming to Kenyans.co.ke in a phone call on Thursday, July 17, the National Chairman Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT), Peter Karegwa, confirmed that it is only Nairobi medics who are going on strike. "Yes, we are going on strike, but it is not a nationwide strike, it is only for medics in Nairobi," Karegwa said.
Graduate doctors and medical students stage protests outside Afya House on February 12, 2023.
Photo Ramesh Saxena According to the unions, the late payment of salaries has, as a result, caused them untold suffering, such lack of basic needs and transport money, factors that significantly limit their ability to deliver quality and efficient healthcare services to the residents of the country's capital. "We regret to inform you of the withdrawal of health services by our members due to delayed payment of June salaries, which has caused them suffering," read part of the letter. "Under the Employment Act, 2007, Section 18(1), every employer is obligated to pay an employee's wages in a timely manner,' not later than the fifth day of the end of the pay period'," the letter added.
