Nurses Issue A Seven-Day Strike Notice Due To Unpaid Salaries

By Getrude Matayo

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has issued a seven-day strike notice if the senate fails to pass and approve the controversial third basis revenue formula for counties.

According to KNUN Secretary-General Seth Panyako,  if his member’s dues are not paid by next week, the union will be forced to mobilize all nurses to paralyze activities in responsible state institutions.

The Unions Secretary-General also said the continued delay y the Senate to approve the 316 shillings equitable distribution of funds to the counties has led to un unnecessary of remittance of salaries to nurses in some counties.

Following Senate’s decision to reject the amendment on the 3^rd Basis Revenue allocation Sharing Formula by majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata, its likely counties will share revenue on basis of previous formula which aimed at minimizing development gap.

“We warn the government that we together with all health workers and other county public servants, we will bring this country to its knees on Monday 10^th if these issues are not addressed with the urgency that they deserve and specifically the issue of the salary arrears for the last three months,” Said Panyako

As counties await the Senate’s decision, proponents of the one man one shilling formula are working on a comeback as well as punitive measures against those believed to have betrayed their cause.

“Our nurses and doctors are being infected by this virus and they are no being even able to pay their rent or buy food because their salaries are being delayed due to some selfishness. We will not put our lives at risk if our dignity and respect are not observed” He added

The Union Secretary-General further called on the Senate not to allow any reduction of county Revenue Allocation, saying that may lead to laying off workers, failure to promote nurses, and other health workers further calling for the employment of 7000 jobless nurses to join the fight against coronavirus.

The Senators who voted against the Bill include Kakamega’s Cleophas Malala whose county was to get an additional 1 billion shillings, Nairobi Johnson Sakaja whose county was to get an additional 1.2 billion shillings and Kipchumba Murkomen of Elgeyo Marakwet.