The Machakos County Government has expressed readiness to hold negotiations with striking nurses in a bid to end the industrial action that has paralyzed healthcare services in the region.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said on Sunday that the county is committed to resolving the standoff to ensure patients regain access to critical medical care.
“We are determined to solve this matter as we move forward. Let us not make it political because those who will be affected are the patients,” Mwangangi said during a church service at Kithimani Salvation Army. He urged nurses to return to the table, emphasizing that a well-functioning health system could also attract patients from neighboring urban centers.
Nurses in Machakos downed their tools last week, joining a nationwide strike declared in May over unfulfilled promises, including the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), promotions, remittance of statutory deductions, and compliance with the 2024 Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular.
The health workers are also demanding that the county honor a CBA that granted them a salary increment.
The strike has left patients across county health facilities, including the Machakos Level Five Hospital, stranded as services remain disrupted.
County officials now hope dialogue will break the deadlock, even as pressure mounts from residents for a swift resolution to the healthcare crisis.
Written By Rodney Mbua
