Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has strongly criticized the national and county governments' decision to hire nurses on a contract basis, calling it a misguided approach that risks deterring qualified professionals from public sector employment.
The policy, formalized during a summit on Monday, mandates that nursing vacancies caused by natural attrition be filled through contractual agreements rather than permanent appointments. Atwoli questioned the rationale behind the move, asking, "Which government in the world talks about casualization of labour?"
The resolution emerged from a joint statement by Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki and Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, which outlined eight measures to improve healthcare delivery. The contract hiring policy was highlighted as a key component of the agreement.
Atwoli warned that the approach would undermine efforts to attract skilled workers, stating, "The national and county governments are not likely to attract employees into their institutions if they take that route." He emphasized that universities continue to produce capable graduates, making the reliance on temporary contracts puzzling.
Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary-General Seth Panyako echoed these concerns, vowing to challenge the policy through "all avenues possible." While refraining from immediate strike announcements, he indicated unions would first convene members to determine a unified response. Panyako accused officials of making decisions without consultation and alleged the policy aimed to circumvent nurses' retirement benefits.
"We shall oppose it because it goes against the principles of non-discrimination," Panyako added, signaling potential large-scale resistance from health sector workers.
