Kenya – Health Officers Camp In Afya House To Demand Improved Working Conditions

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

In an unprecedented move, health officers from various counties across Kenya have camped at Afya House, to spend the nights in shifts in order to demonstrate, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health where Susan Nakhumicha’s office is located.

The health workers are demonstrating for improved working conditions and better pay.

The intern officers, who include doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and other healthcare workers, began their sit-in early Monday morning, vowing not to relent until their demands are met.

The medical interns are also demanding for their immediate posting, citing years of waiting after completing their studies.

According to them, the ministry is jeopardizing their career and future by failing to post them.

The health officers are calling for a comprehensive review of their salaries and allowances, citing the rising cost of living and the risks associated with their jobs.

They argued that despite their critical role in providing healthcare services, they have been consistently overlooked in terms of remuneration and working conditions.

Dr. James Mwangi, one of the leaders of the protest, said: “We are here because we have been left with no other choice. We have written letters, held meetings, and even gone on strike in the past, but our concerns have not been addressed. We are demanding fair pay, immediate posting, safe working conditions, and respect for the work we do.”

The officers also raised concerns about the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate staffing, and the delay in implementing the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017.

They also accused the government of reneging on its promises and failing to prioritize the health sector.

The sit-in has garnered significant attention from the public and various stakeholders, including politicians and civil society organizations, who have expressed support for the health officers’ demands.

Many have taken to social media to express solidarity and urge with the government to address the issues raised.

In response, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has called for calm and assured the officers that their concerns are being taken seriously.

“We acknowledge the important role that our health workers play and understand their frustrations. We are committed to finding a lasting solution to these issues,” Susan said in a statement.

However, the Ministry of Health says it will post 552 medical interns immediately following the picketing that has been taking place outside its headquarters.

According to Nakhumicha, the medics will be posted using the 2024/2025 financial year budget, while indicating that the rest of the interns will be posted as and when more funds become available.

Meanwhile, the situation still remained tense, as the health officers continued to occupy Afya House, with no clear resolution in sight.

The interns are also insisting that the Cabinet Secretary must go.

The standoff has disrupted normal operations at the ministry, and there are growing concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services across the country if the demands are not addressed promptly.

As the nation watches closely, the health officers remain steadfast in their resolve, hoping that their action will lead to meaningful change and improved conditions for all healthcare workers in Kenya.