Kisumu health workers protest unpaid salaries

Kisumu health workers staged a  peaceful demonstration on Monday in Kisumu town and marched to the County Government headquarters over what they claimed as unpaid salaries and allowances.

The health workers demanded audience with Governor Jack Nyanungo Ranguma, accusing his government of neglecting them.

Led by the Kenya National Union of Nurses Deputy Secretary-General Maurice Opetu, the health workers said they would camp at the Governor’s office until their two-months salaries are paid in full.

“We are here until we are paid our two months salaries. No amount of force or intimidation will make us change our minds and we will not resume duties until this matter is settled,” said Opetu.

They also want the County Government to address what they termed as poor working conditions including working for long hours without good remuneration.

“Our working conditions and also the environment is very bad. We are are working for more than eight hours with no overtime,” said one of the nurses.

Speaking to Ramogi FM on phone, the Governor said that he was not aware that the nurses had not been paid for two months and that he would address the matter with urgency.

Written by Paul Barasa