Health workers in Trans Nzoia County are operating under heightened fear following a rise in attacks against them while on duty.
The cacus of healthcare workers unions in Trans Nzoia, representing 17 different professional health worker cadres, expressed growing concerns about their safety, as incidents of violence and intimidation continue to increase in healthcare facilities.
They highlighted a recent disturbing event in Sifatinga, where a clinical officer was assaulted. This incident is part of a broader trend, with four active cases of violence against health workers currently under investigation.
“Health workers are increasingly facing danger simply by doing their jobs. The fear and insecurity among our members are palpable. This has to stop,” said Edward Cheruyiot, Secretary of the Nurses Union in Trans Nzoia.
Cheruyiot said that in addition to the physical threats, health workers are also grappling with emotional and psychological stress due to these recurring attacks.
The Unions Caucus called on the County Government to take immediate action to ensure a secure working environment, urging community members to use peaceful means to resolve grievances rather than resorting to violence.
They also decried the financial strain caused by delayed salaries for the last two months, creating a sense of instability and hardship.
"Without our salaries, we’re struggling to meet even basic needs. This financial uncertainty is overwhelming,” said Shadrack Chebet, Chairman of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers in Trans Nzoia.
The Unions Caucus also complained about the critical shortage of staff across county health facilities, which is exacerbating burnout among existing workers.
“Understaffing is taking a toll on the morale and well-being of our members. It’s also threatening the progress we’ve made towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” said Chebet.
To alleviate these pressures, the Unions Caucus is demanding the immediate confirmation of all contract workers and the hiring of new staff across all health facilities.
They are also calling for fair and transparent promotion processes, as many eligible health workers have been overlooked for advancements, leading to widespread demoralization.
“We need the county to prioritize staff welfare, including timely promotions, as it directly affects our performance and motivation,” said Mr. Batholomew Ouko, the branch secretary of the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers.
The Unions Caucus also criticized the current medical insurance coverage, calling it inadequate and discriminatory.
"A comprehensive insurance package that covers all cadres equitably is long overdue," said Ouko.
The Unions Caucus urged the County Government to engage with union leadership and resolve the ongoing nurses’ strike, now entering its second month, which has caused severe disruptions to healthcare services.
“The county government must act swiftly. The longer the strike continues, the more fragile our healthcare system becomes," said Chebet.
The unions also urged the County Government to implement the revised salary structures as outlined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), which would provide more equitable compensation for health workers.
They emphasized the need for consistent training and professional development, calling for a dedicated budget to support continuous upskilling across all health cadres.
The unions have warned that if their concerns are not addressed within the next seven days, they will consider further action, including potential countywide industrial action.
The Unions Caucus comprises the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), and the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO).