Laikipia: Laikipia County Nurses took to the streets of Nyahururu town yesterday to protest a worsening labor dispute with the Laikipia County Government, accusing the administration of systemic neglect and blatant violations of multiple return-to-work agreements.
According to Kenya News Agency, the healthcare workers, adorned in their professional attire of white, navy blue, and green, presented a comprehensive ten-point list of grievances. They warned that the county’s medical services are on the verge of complete breakdown due to these unresolved issues.
The primary concern highlighted by the nurses is a recruitment process that has been stalled for ten months, resulting in severe understaffing at health facilities. Reports indicate that, in some instances, a single nurse is responsible for managing an entire health center alone.
Additionally, the union has raised issues regarding ‘unlawful contractual engagements,’ noting that over 20 long-serving contract nurses were not included in recent regularization initiatives. These nurses remain in a state of uncertainty, as the county continues to utilize their services without offering permanent employment and pension benefits.
The protest further shed light on financial and administrative mismanagement that has adversely affected the morale and livelihoods of frontline workers. Nurses accused the county of failing to remit deductions for statutory contributions and loan repayments, despite these amounts being indicated on their pay slips, describing the practice as both unethical and unlawful.
The protesters also demanded the immediate settlement of salary arrears dating back to July 2024, alongside the implementation of a 17-tier grading structure as directed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
In addition to financial issues, the nurses reported a challenging working environment characterized by shortages of essential medical supplies and the lack of comprehensive medical coverage for healthcare workers themselves.
With unresolved promotions, denied study leave, and the non-implementation of the May 2025 return-to-work agreement, the nurses have pledged to continue their industrial action until the County Public Service Board outlines a clear and time-bound strategy to address their concerns.
