Over 600 casual workers in Trans Nzoia County took to the streets after their contracts were terminated without legal procedure.
The workers who stormed to the county’s headquarters alleged that their contracts were terminated despite some having worked for the county for over 20 years. All sectors of Trans Nzoia County Government were affected.
They alleged that the County, through its governor George Natembeya, has devised a plot to bring on board private cleaners in the Health Department who are going to replace them.
A file photo of striking health workers in Vihiga County in November 2023
Photo
Eric Lunga
They further claimed that the governor already has a private cleaning company registered, which they claimed is set to take over.
“Because the Trans Nzoia County Government through Governor Natembeya wants to replace us with private Health cleaners, we will not accept”, one worker stated.
“He already has people and a registered cleaning company that will be taking over. We do not agree with that company and the plan,” another lamented.
According to the striking workers, the group was not given any termination letters by the Health Ministry of the county but was fired by word of mouth.
The workers, as a result, blamed the Governor and the Chief Officer of Health of the county for their troubles.
They now want the county government to reinstate them to their workstations and be confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms.
The County government workers through their workers’ union chair Samwel Kiboi have vowed to institute an impeachment process for the county secretary alleging that the head of public service was interfering with the smooth working of the public services.
All eyes are now on Governor Natembeya who, during his campaign, promised Trans Nzoia residents equity in county jobs and county development.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya receiving President William Ruto in the county on January 17, 2024.
PCS
