Eldoret health workers vow daily protests as strike enters 23rd day

Healthcare personnel in Uasin Gishu County have ramped up their protests against unresolved labor disputes, entering their 23rd day of strike action in Eldoret. Drawing from multiple health unions, demonstrators gathered in Eldoret's Central Business District on Wednesday, their demands focused on implementing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), promoting eligible staff, and enforcing career progression guidelines.

They also sought assurance that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff would be appointed to permanent and pensionable roles. Clinical officer David Marthin, a key figure in the strike, lamented the 23-day stalemate, questioning the success of devolution of health services to county governments. He noted that some regions have struggled to manage health services and address healthcare worker concerns.

Several other counties have already reached agreements with health workers, leaving Uasin Gishu among those yet to resolve outstanding issues. The workers accused the county government of employing intimidation tactics instead of engaging in constructive dialogue. Marthin warned that the protests would escalate if the county government fails to address their demands, announcing that healthcare workers would begin daily demonstrations starting the following Monday until the dispute is resolved.

The unions affirmed their willingness to engage in dialogue but emphasized the need for concrete action from the county government. The strike's impact on healthcare services in Uasin Gishu has been significant, with workers alleging operational disruptions at public facilities due to the industrial action. The ongoing dispute is impeding the delivery of healthcare services to residents, as the strike enters its fourth week.

The workers' demands include the signing and implementation of CBAs, UHC worker confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms, promotions for eligible staff, and the execution of career progression guidelines. The unions have called for renewed engagement with Uasin Gishu County Government to resolve these outstanding issues, with the planned weekday demonstrations expected to continue pressuring the county government until a resolution is reached.