This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
On January 11, 2020, the Taita-Taveta County administration made headlines with a series of transfers that saw dozens of government drivers redeployed as cleaners in various hospitals across the region.
The move, which was part of a broader restructuring effort, came on the heels of the termination of services for thousands of casual workers and long-term employees on contracts.
According to sources, Health Services County Chief Officer Philomena Kirote was instrumental in effecting the transfers, which saw 20 drivers deployed in various health centres.
One of the affected drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed shock and outrage at the move, stating, 'We are shocked by the move by the county administration to deploy us as cleaners in health centres and dispensaries. This is unfair and we are consulting our legal team to take action against the county administration.'
Notably, the transfers have also seen senior support staff redeployed as clerks, while scores of senior assistants and community development officers have been deployed as clerks and customer care service personnel.
As the controversy surrounding the transfers continues to unfold, members of the county assembly have weighed in, with Mgange-Mwanda Ward Representative Anselim Mwadime terming the executive's actions as 'rogue' and 'retrogressive.'
