The 85 Tharaka Nithi nurses whose contract expired earlier this week will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms, the county governor Muthomi Njuki has assured.
The county boss directed that the nurses who had been on one-year-contract and who had been served with a letter indicating that the county would not renew their terms a month ago be employed on permanent basis.
Njuki during a fundraiser at Kiang’ondu in Chuka Sub County appreciated the work being done by the nurses and lauded them for what he termed as crucial role in provision of quality medical services at the local health facilities.
The county boss said his government will continue supporting and engaging the workers through dialogue to ensure that they have an enabling environment.
About two months ago, Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) Tharaka Nithi officials warned of a likelihood of most of the facilities being adversely affected if the nurses wouldn’t be absorbed on permanent basis or their contracts renewed.
Part of the letter the nurses had been served with signed by Alex Muratha, head of Human Resource Department asked them to clear with their respective supervisors upon expiry of their contracts.
“I take this opportunity to thank you for the services you have rendered to the people of Tharaka Nithi and wish you God’s blessings in your future endeavors,”
The county with 118 health facilities has a deficit of 335 nurses and more are set to retire this year including 12 working at Chuka County Referral Hospital according to the branch Secretary Fabian Marigu.
The official recently told media in Chuka town that the county currently has 475 nurses and that a total of 60 nurses took early retirement last year while 20 have since beginning of the year retired from work.
Marigu asked the Njuki led government to consider employing more as the county currently has a shortage of 335 nurses.
