By Okong’o Oduya
The Kenya union of nurses (KUON) and county government of Busia, jointly called off a six week strike by nurses in Busia County .This was reached after an agreement between the parties involved.
The strike which saw services at major public health facilities paralysed affected many patients who sort treatment in private hospitals which are expensive for the poor to afford.
The deal was arrived at after a closed door meeting at the County Public Service Board Boardroom that was chaired by County ,Kephas odhiambo, Labour Officer. They agreed that all striking nurses shall report on duty immediately but in any case not later than 18th October, 2016 at 5pm.
“As union we have decided to go back to work after we agreed with the county government that it is going to adhere to our demand as we had discussed. I know people of Busia have suffered for the past seven days, that is sad but blame goes to the government for failing to implement what we agreed earlier.” Isaiah Odhiambo, Chairman KNUN said.
The parties agreed that promotion letters for the 143 health staff who will be successful shall be released by the County Government on or before October 31st, 2016. Besides that it was noted on that a commitment letter shall be issued by the County Government by October 31st, 2016 on payment of arrears to the chairman Knun Busia branch Isaiah Omondi,KNUN Busia Branch.
In the meeting it emerged that promotion of health workers who were subjected to interviews was already done.The Economic Stimulus Programme staff of 2013 had been issued with personal numbers as part of the agreement that was reached during the meeting May.
Henry Adolwa and Busia Union chairman Isaiah Omondi signed the agreement on behalf of the union while the County Government was represented by County Secretary Nicodemus Mulaku, Chief Officer Health Dr Asoka Itur and Secretary Public Service Board, Rev. Charles Orodi. Also in attendance was the CEC for Health and Sanitation Dr Maurice Siminyu, County Director of Medical services Dr Janerose Ambuchi, Human Resource Officer Denis Akwiri among other county officials
Mulaku affirmed that the promotion of the remaining 143 staff will be completed by the end of the month. It was agreed that no party shall be victimized in any matter pertaining in the strike.
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