Paralysis at KUTRRH as workers down tools, cite withdrawal of medical cover, poor working conditions
There is total paralysis at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) after workers downed their tools today over alleged cancellation of health cover and poor working conditions.
The medical personnel, non-staff and other employees boycotted work sparking agony and anguish on the part of suffering patients who sought treatement at the facility but were not attended to as they demanded the reinstatement of suspended Ahmed Dagane as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who was sent on a compulsory leave.
The board has appointed Isaac Irungu Kamau as the acting CEO until further notice.
The workers also protested over a lack of a clear organizational structure.
A memorandum from the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) noted these critical concerns, calling for urgent intervention and adherence to Executive Order No. 5 of 2024, which outlines human resource reforms in healthcare.
“It is with great respect that we bring to your attention a matter of great concern- the withdrawal of medical insurance cover. This matter has resulted in exposing our members to significant risks, financial, physical and emotional distress for them and their dependents thus hindering their ability to continue providing healthcare services to the public while being unable to access those services themselves.” The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union Nairobi Branch Chairman Malindi Chao said.
The memo noted that the nonpayment caused undue financial strain on the staff and it negatively impacted the morale since the staff were coerced to procure their uniforms at their own expenses’ contrary to the guidelines.
The memo further alleged the majority of nurses employed at KUTRRH have not been promoted since the hospital’s inception.
This, the nurses’ union stated, has led to dissatisfaction and frustration among staff.
“A transparent, merit-based promotion system must be implemented to foster a motivated and highly skilled workforce, in line with the objectives of Executive Order No. 5 of 2024.” KNUN stated.
The demonstration at KUTRRH is part of the practitioner’s cry for their welfare.
The downing of tools comes days after the Board had suspended Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Dagane over allegations of irregularly awarding a Sh287million insurance tender.
Isaac Kamau, the Director of Operations, was consequently appointed as the acting CEO, with appropriate allowances.
The board requested the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Eacc) to investigate Dagane for allegedly violating procurement and public finance regulations.
