Embu: Health services in Embu County have resumed after health workers ended their strike following the settlement of delayed April salaries. The strike had severely impacted operations in hospitals and health centers across the region, forcing patients to seek alternative medical services as public facilities struggled with understaffing.

According to Kenya News Agency, union officials announced in Embu Town that the decision to resume duties came after negotiations with the County Government led to the release of the pending salaries. Health Workers Union Chair Alloysius Njoka confirmed that the union had agreed to end the strike and urged its members to return to work within 48 hours. Njoka emphasized the importance of timely salary payments and the need for the County Government to remit statutory deductions promptly.

Njoka pointed out that the delay in salaries had created financial challenges for health workers, highlighting the essential role they play in the community. He also expressed concerns over arbitrary transfers, which he said were disruptive to the lives of health workers and their families. Njoka urged the County Government to consult with workers and union officials before implementing such transfers to avoid unnecessary disruptions in service delivery.

Kenya Union of Nurses (KNUN) Embu Branch Secretary General Macharia Kanderi stressed that health workers should not face any punitive actions for exercising their constitutional right to strike. Kanderi called on the employer to refrain from victimizing workers who participated in the industrial action.

Additionally, Kenya National Union of Clinical Officers Embu branch Secretary Jacinta Rwamba highlighted that health worker promotions remain a significant issue affecting staff morale. She noted that a substantial portion of funds allocated for promotions was disproportionately distributed, benefiting a single cadre while leaving others with minimal allocations.