Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda has called on the Council of Governors to move with speed to resolve the nationwide nurses’ strike, saying the ongoing industrial action is disrupting access to essential healthcare services.
Muhanda urged the Chairperson of the Council of Governors’ Health Committee, Abdullswamad Nassir, to urgently engage the nurses and other stakeholders to address the issues that have led to the strike and restore normal operations in public health facilities.
“I call upon the Chair of Health in the Council of Governors to move with speed to tame the countrywide nurses strike. Health is a basic right, and we need a healthy nation,” she said.
The Woman Representative said the continued disruption of health services was likely to affect patients who depend on public hospitals, particularly those requiring regular treatment and emergency care.
She called on the National and County governments, together with nurses’ representatives, to prioritise dialogue and seek common ground on the outstanding issues.
Muhanda said healthcare workers play a critical role in safeguarding the health of Kenyans and should be supported to deliver quality services in a conducive working environment.
Speaking today in Kakamega, she urged the Council of Governors to demonstrate leadership in resolving the impasse, saying prolonged industrial action in the health sector could undermine gains made in improving healthcare services across the country.
The legislator further appealed to nurses to consider the plight of patients as negotiations continue, saying both sides should work towards a solution that protects the rights and welfare of healthcare workers while ensuring uninterrupted access to medical services.
She said a healthy population was essential for Kenya’s social and economic development and called for urgent action to end the standoff.
By John Ochanda
