By Betty Luke
Isiolo Referral Hospital has been on spot for the last two days over its pathetic state following ongoing protests by casual workers providing security and cleaning services at the facility over delayed salaries for the last six months.
The casuals spent the better part of Tuesday holding peaceful demonstrations in Isiolo town and protested outside the County Secretary’s office while accusing the hospital management of failure to ensure they are paid their dues.
Addressing journalists in Isiolo town, the disgruntled workers said it was unfortunate that despite assurances to have their salaries increased, they continue to have their meagre pay delayed.
Ms Janet Mwamukui, a cleaner at the hospital, said she was surviving on debts and on the verge of losing hope as had no money to take her child to Secondary school next month.
She said immediately after a contractor, who handles the casuals, was introduced, they have been receiving salaries late and can no longer provide for their families.
“We do not have money to cater for our needs and that of our families. It is sad that we continue to suffer while our Governor is watching, where is he?,” she posed, adding that she cannot even take care of her child who is living with disability.
Isiolo County Referral Hospital casuals hold protests in Isiolo town over delayed pay. BETTY LUKE/PRESS POINT
The workers said besides the little pay, they had not been enrolled to a medical cover and are forced to fundraise amongst themselves to get money to cater for their sick colleagues as they are not allowed to be treated at the same hospital where they work.
“We love each other and contribute whatever little we have when one of us is unwell,” said the distressed Ms Mwamukui.
Those in the cleaning department are entitled to a pay of Sh7, 500 every month while their colleagues in the security department are paid Sh9, 000 per month.
The workers accused the county government and the contractor of playing games saying none of them was taking responsibility for their welfare among other concerns.
“Whenever we reach out to the company responsible they claim they have not received funds from the county which on enquiry insists that funds have been disbursed in good time,” said Mr Aden Abdulahi, a security guard.
The group appealed to Governor Mohammed Kuti adminstration to employ them to rid them of the suffering.
“We will much appreciate if the county could employ and we need the help soonest possible,” added Mr Abdulahi.
Ms Lydiah Kainda who has worked at the facility for more than 10 years attached to the casualty said they had suffered for a long time and asked the concerned authority to expedite the process to have their grievances considered.
“Some of us (who cannot afford food at home) expect the little food we eat at the facility because we have nothing in our houses,” she said.
She cried foul that their pay had been reduced from Sh15, 000 during the former Governor Godana Doyo’s regime.
Isiolo County Health Chief Officer Ibrahim Alio said the county was not directly responsible for the casual workers payment but the contracted company.
Mr Alio said the county had not processed funds to the contracted company for the last four months following delay by the National Treasury to release funds to the counties.
“We will process the funds once they are availed from the National Treasury,” Mr Alio told The Press Point.
