This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
As Kenya prepares for a surge in Covid-19 cases, the country's health workers are facing a crisis of their own. With over 720 staff members sick or limping, and 10 having already died, the situation is dire.
According to the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, many counties have failed to pay May, June, and July salaries, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet. The union has issued a nationwide strike notice, set to begin on Monday.
‘We will not listen or engage the counties anymore, but we will speak in a voice that they understand better, which is going on strike as from Monday. None of our members will report to work unless we receive our salaries,’ said Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Secretary-General George Gibore.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has directed county governments to address the grievances of their healthcare workers, urging them to ‘listen to any concerns raised with a view of addressing them.’
As the situation unfolds, President Uhuru Kenyatta has been called upon to extend the risk allowance for health workers until June 2021 or until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Published on August 5, 2020.
