Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has cautioned the County government against terminating the contracts of over 780 healthcare workers of different cadres who were on casual basis.

Ms Karanja instead urged the county to absorb the experienced and competent contract workers and employ them on a permanent basis.

This, she said, will help avoid the possible loss of experienced and well-trained staff to other regions especially after spending taxpayers' money on capacity building.

Also Read: Over 780 Nakuru casual hospital workers to lose their jobs, despite Kihika's promise

In her seven-point proposal, Ms Karanja called for the direct employment of qualified healthcare workers and the renewal of contracts of the remaining workers.

The senator also called for the recruitment of another team of healthcare workers through a competitive process to bridge the shortage gap, which she says should be done through the county public service board to avoid corruption and other recruitment malpractices.

She recommended a partnership between the county and national government in training healthcare workers in specialised areas such as cancer treatment, dialysis, reproductive health among others since the County government on its own cannot afford.

"As a senator mandated to oversee the county government, it is my opinion that our county is likely to fall into a possible health crisis if urgent intervention is not made," Senator Karanja said.

Also Read: Residents urged to reclaim assets in custody of the Unclaimed Assets Authority

Ms Karanja’s proposal comes a day after a notice to retrench hospital workers by June 30 was issued by the Nakuru County government.

Nakuru County's Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr John Murima, in his notice to heads of various hospitals in the county, announced the county's decision to terminate its relationship with the workers at the end of their contractual period.

According to the notice, the County government through the County Public Service Board will declare the positions vacant for fresh applications.

"The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the engagement of all hospital technical staff on short term contracts will end on 30 June. You are hereby requested to inform the affected officials working under your supervision," reads part of the notice circular.

At least 538 technical staff and 244 support staff, including drivers and clerks, who have been working on short-term contracts will be affected by the decision.

opendajoseph@gmail.com

Nakuru senator Tabitha Karanja warns the County government against firing 780 healthcare workers

Author Spotlight

Joseph Openda