This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
Kenya's Ministry of Health has been criticized for failing to pay 328 nurses recruited under a government internship scheme in July.
The nurses were dispatched to public hospitals to work in coronavirus isolation wards, intensive care units, and other critical areas.
According to a contract dated June 17, the nurses were entitled to a basic monthly pay of Sh37,070 and other allowances.
However, a copy of an October payslip listed a basic salary of Sh38,270, together with house, commuter, health risk, extraneous, and nursing service allowances, totalling to Sh73,720.
Despite being entitled to this pay, the nurses say they have not received a single penny.
'After getting posted to a hospital, one is expected to complete formal paperwork within two weeks of appointment,' a nurse in Thika, Kiambu county, said.
'We survive by begging from friends, family, and our senior colleagues. Some interns have taken loans. Many of us are the family's sole breadwinners.'
The nurse added that paying rent and other bills has become a nightmare.
'We need bus fare and have to buy food, clothes, and other necessities. I barely had enough to settle at my work station in Thika when I was posted. I had to borrow from friends, promising to repay in time.'
Another nurse at a Covid-19 isolation ward in Mombasa county said she needs to take care of her 89-year-old grandmother.
'This injustice is what drives many healthcare workers to greener pastures. You can love your work and this country, but one does not eat patriotism.'
The interns say they started following up on their salary two months after taking up the government offer.
'Top officials at the Ministry of Health said it was too early to begin asking for pay. Life is becoming unbearable, especially for those in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Thika, and many other urban centres.'
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi, and Principal Secretary Susan Mochache did not respond to our text messages and calls.
However, the acting Health Director General, Patrick Amoth, said the matter is under the Human Resource department.
'Sorry, HR matters are not under my purview.'
Director of Nursing Services Judith Awinja sympathized with the interns and promised to make a follow-up when she returns from a conference in Mombasa.
'I was only informed last night when the Daily Nation brought this issue to the attention of the ministry. I need some time to consult the Human Resource department.'
Published on October 29, 2021, at 12:44:52 PM.
