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Trans Nzoia Health Workers Refute Sabotage Claims, Urge Dialogue Over Systemic Challenges

Health personnel in Trans Nzoia County used this year’s Labour Day celebrations to defend themselves against allegations of sabotaging healthcare service delivery, asserting that the accusations are baseless and ignore the hardships and systemic challenges they face.

Through the county branch of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, the health workers raised concerns about staff shortages, burnout, and low morale due to what they termed poor treatment by the county government.

“We are not sabotaging services — we are overwhelmed, demotivated, and exhausted. The county has failed to address our grievances and instead dragged us to court. Our work environment is grossly demotivating,” said Edward Cheruiyot, the Secretary of the Union.

Cheruiyot called for dialogue between the county government and health workers, citing discrimination in the employment of nurses and lack of proper consultation.

He urged the county administration to confirm the employment status of nurses currently working on temporary terms and to build strong working relationships with healthcare unions.

“We want to work, but not at the cost of our well-being. The current state of affairs is unsustainable. Dialogue is very important if we are to improve healthcare delivery,” he added.

The Chairman of the Kenya County Government Workers Union in the region, Juma Kiboi, criticized the county government for failing to honor agreements made with labor movements regarding staff welfare.

“Why should a county government waste so many resources on litigation over issues that were already settled?” Mr. Kiboi asked.


The Union's Secretary, Mr. Eliud Nabiimba, decried the low insurance cover for county workers, saying the current KSh 200,000 limit is insufficient.

“The governor may make announcements, but what is declared is not institutionalized or implemented. We need structured systems, not promises,” Nabiimba said.

He also highlighted the plight of casual labourers, calling for clear employment terms and better protection of workers’ rights.

“Let us embrace consultations and find lasting solutions together. Workers are not the enemy,” he said.

The County Executive Member in charge of Public Service Management, Samson Ojwang, ruled out any bad relations between the administration and employees.

“We have no personal issues with our staff; that's why we are conducting rationalization programmes in each department to harmonize the human resource policy,” said Mr. Ojwang.

The County Labour Officer, Tawfiq Nalianya, challenged the county government to honour employment terms with its employees.

“Let us embrace consultations instead of rushing to court over issues that can be resolved,” said Mr. Nalianya.
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