Striking clinical officers in Nairobi have accused Governor Evans Kidero of being too busy to meet with them, according to an interview with Kenya Union of Clinical Officers secretary-general George Gibore in Nairobi News.
The health workers began their strike on Monday, demanding allowances promised by the Council of Governors the previous month.
When the clinical officers marched to City Hall for a scheduled meeting with Dr. Kidero, they were referred to senior health officials instead.
Mr. Gibore stated that Dr. Kidero initially agreed to meet with a union representative but later delegated the task to Dr. Bernard Muia, the county executive member in charge of health.
"The union representative was meant to meet with the governor, but he delegated the job to his officers, who did not have any solutions and said they would consult and get back; the strike is ongoing," said Mr. Gibore.
He expressed concerns that the governor's unavailability for negotiations demonstrates the lack of commitment from governors to implement a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the doctors.
The clinical officers' immediate grievances include service allowances, call allowances, and addressing discrimination in internship allowances, remuneration, employment, promotions, and salary harmonization.
According to Mr. Gibore, after leaving the negotiation table, the Council of Governors failed to provide concrete updates on the implementation process.
He urged clinical officers still working to join the strike and demand their dues from the county government, stating that the governors have shortchanged and discriminated against them by not prioritizing their issues.
The strike has caused significant anxiety in the country, putting pressure on the clinical officers currently running hospitals, and patients in public hospitals are suffering due to the over 70-day doctors' strike.
