By Gerald Mutethia
Health workers in Meru County are commending Governor Mutuma M’ethingia for improving relations between the county administration and medical staff, saying long-standing grievances are finally being addressed.
Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Meru Branch chairperson Mugambi Bakari said the governor’s dialogue-driven approach has eased tensions that previously triggered frequent industrial action.
“Compared to past administrations, we now feel heard. The reason we have not seen any strikes during Mutuma’s term is because there is open engagement between us and the county leadership,” he said.
Bakari, who represents seven unions in the health sector including those for clinical officers, public health officers, nutritionists, laboratory staff and doctors said communication with Governor Mutuma’s administration has improved significantly.
“We used to struggle to get our issues on the table, but now discussions are regular and productive,” he said.
Henry Mwenda Marangu, chair of the clinical officers’ union in Meru, echoed the sentiments, noting that career stagnation has long been a major grievance. “Promotions have been one of the toughest issues for health workers, and we appreciate that steps are finally being taken to address them,” Marangu said.
He added that union leaders have met the governor several times since he took office, alongside additional meetings with senior officials across various departments.
According to Bakari, the sustained dialogue has resulted in the timely payment of salaries a shift from previous years of delays. “For the first time in years, our members are receiving their salaries before the month ends,” he said.
Bakari also highlighted improvements in medical supplies.
“Drug shortages were common in the past, but deliveries have become more frequent and in larger quantities,” he said.
He further pointed to progress on staff promotions, a long-standing concern among health workers.
“Promotions have begun moving, especially for common cadre staff, and many expect to be upgraded by the end of the year,” he said.
Bakari added that the governor had “committed to increasing the Sh21 million set aside for promotions and the Sh100 million budgeted for new employment in the next financial year.”
