Four senior officials from the Trans Nzoia County Government have been summoned by the County Assembly to explain their failure to act on a nurses’ strike that has severely disrupted public healthcare services for over five weeks.
County Secretary Truphosa Amere, Health CECM Samson Ojwang, Finance CECM Joseph Pepela, and County Public Service Board Chairperson Peter Wamoto will appear before an ad hoc committee next week.
They are being held accountable for not implementing longstanding recommendations intended to resolve the ongoing healthcare crisis.
The summons follow a petition by the Kenya National Union of Nurses – Trans Nzoia Branch (KNUNM), which accused the county’s executive leadership of ignoring issues raised in an earlier petition.
The matter was officially presented to the County Assembly by Minority Leader Bonface Cheloti, who outlined several unresolved challenges affecting healthcare workers and service delivery in the region.
Key grievances included the failure to replace nurses who have left the service and the continued poor working conditions faced by contract nurses.
Other issues cited were long-standing delays in staff promotions, the lack of a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for healthcare workers, and persistent shortages of essential medical supplies.
In light of these concerns, County Assembly Speaker Andrew Wanyonyi directed the formation of an ad hoc committee, led by Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, to summon the officials and demand accountability for their inaction.
This decision followed growing frustration among Assembly members, who expressed disappointment over what they described as ongoing neglect by the executive.
Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale underscored the Assembly’s constitutional duty of oversight and stressed the urgent need to resolve the crisis, which has left thousands without access to vital health services.
“We cannot bury our heads in the sand and assume that all is well when there is paralysis in the health sector,” said Mr. Mwale.
Waitaluk Ward MCA Furaha Lusweti criticized the executive for its failure to implement crucial decisions and for neglecting the welfare of healthcare staff.
“This House already deliberated on this matter and directed the executive to implement the recommendations. The failure is very unfortunate,” said Mr. Lusweti.
Nabiswa Ward MCA Martin Jamanur noted that the administration had not treated the matter with the seriousness it deserved and said internal conflicts among nurses had further worsened the situation.
“The presence of two nurses’ factions has further complicated the matter since there is division,” he said.
Sikhendu Ward MCA Andrew Kutitila, however, called for a balanced approach in addressing the nurses’ grievances, emphasizing the need to show empathy while advocating for their rights.
“We sympathize with the nurses over their outcry, but they should at least consider the welfare of the patients as they seek a solution,” said Mr. Kutitila.
Sirende Ward MCA Alfred Weswa cautioned the Assembly against overstepping its role by interfering with executive functions, reminding members of their primary roles in legislation, oversight, and representation.
Kwanza Ward MCA Kennedy Mugushu and his Sitatunga counterpart Simon Murey urged the ad hoc committee to expedite the resolution process, as residents continue to suffer.
"It's a pity that some grassroots health facilities have been closed due to the ongoing nurses’ strike, exposing our people to danger," said Mr. Murey.
Meanwhile, public healthcare in Trans Nzoia remains in crisis, with hospitals providing only limited services as the nurses’ strike stretches into its sixth week.