The Kenya National Union of Nurses has condemned county governments that are using what they termed as ‘orthodox, intimidating and coercion’ tactics to force nurses back to work. – by Enock Mukoma
They asked president Uhuru Kenyatta to reflect for a moment on the increasing deaths by the frontline workers due to the covid pandemic.
“We beseech you your excellency president Uhuru to take a moment and reflect, imagine and listen to your inner intuition and take health sector as your top priority just for only eight hours and you will realize that Covid -19 is killing us in the most cruel and devastating manner”,Panyako said.
The SG expressed concern with cartels in the ministry opf health but exuded confidence in president Kenyatta to fight them
“your excellency it’s true that cartels connected to by high ranking officials in your government have crippled health sector but we have solace in you, we believe you can issue an executive order for release of PPES rotting in KEMSA.
They also welcomed the remarks by former prime minister Raila Odinga which recommended inclusion of Health service commission in the BBI, they will steer collection of signatures if need be.
Panyako put union official at county level on notice that they will not entertain coward and have no space for cowards at National office.
Addressing the media in a hotel in Nairobi Secretary General Seth Panyako noted that the serious risks nurses are facing, working in deplorable conditions.
Panyako directed all her members not to honor any form of directives from any arm of the government directing them to return to work until the union does so.
He said her members will only return to work after a thorough safety and health audit of all nursing workplace shall have been carried out by safety and health advisor and such findings agreed upon by the union.
