Busia: The Busia County Government has signed a recognition agreement with the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), paving the way for structured engagement on workers’ welfare and improved public health service delivery.
According to Kenya News Agency, Busia Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee Member for Health Arthur Odera emphasized that the agreement provides public health officers with a formal platform to engage with the county government, raise grievances, and participate in planning and service delivery. Odera highlighted the legal protection afforded by the agreement, which facilitates the expression of grievances and involvement in planning activities.
Odera also addressed the persistent challenges in the health sector, noting that many issues, including strikes, stem from long-standing problems that require intervention beyond county governments. He identified scarcity of resources, inadequate staffing, and lack of necessary equipment as key challenges hindering better health service delivery.
The Deputy Governor expressed concern about the rising cases of illegal alcohol production and sale in the county, which pose significant risks to residents. He assured that public health officers are collaborating with security agencies to address the issue and called for swift action against those involved in the illegal trade.
Brown Ashira, KEHPHPU National Secretary-General, stated that the agreement would enhance the role of public health officers in safeguarding residents and improving service delivery. He stressed the importance of public health officers in ensuring food safety, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and protecting residents from health risks, particularly at border entry points.
Ashira announced that the strike by public health officers in Busia had been called off, emphasizing the union’s preference for negotiations over protests. He urged the county government to employ more public health officers, highlighting the importance of preventive health services in complementing curative care.
Additionally, Ashira called for stricter controls on liquor license issuance, criticizing the current process and its contribution to illegal alcohol businesses. He proposed that the issuance of liquor licenses be managed by the Directorate of Public Health to ensure proper assessment and regulation, urging the Ministry of Interior to take decisive action against illegal alcohol operations.
