It is now official that 23 counties will not have nurses serving the people starting this morning.
But why does this always have to happen each and every year?
The answer is pretty simple, empty promises.
The strike was called by KNUN secretary general Seth Panyako last week. He said the strike will disrupt services in 23 counties.
Only Mombasa, Migori and Machakos will be affected because they “have fully complied and implemented the return to work formula.” The other 21 counties have shown interest in fulfilling the collective bargaining agreement.
Last week, it emerged that governors fear copy cat effects if they implement the CBA, saying it might trigger similar demands by other employees. The reports established that a technical team put together by the Council of Governors, has advised against awarding nurses pay rise.
“It is important to relook at the issues being advanced in view of the prevailing economic conditions and the inherent risks of triggering a ripple effect,” notes the draft report.
It is now clear that most patients will be subjected to utmost suffering depending on the speed with which the government will look into this matter.
But according to Seth Panyako, the bargaining power is vested on nurses representatives in the county levels. Each county has the sole responsibility to work in efforts to avert the strike.
The Council of Governors led by Wycliffe Oparanya urged the nurses to call off the strike and engage in talks but this is seemingly not going to happen till their demands are met.