Kakamega
By Selipher Musungu
Its systems Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has started hiring new nurses to replace those on strike.
On Monday, Governor Oparanya presided over the issuance of at least 61 appointment letters to health workers at Bukhungu Stadium.
Mr Oparanya said that the induction of the newly recruited health workers shows commitment by county chiefs in addressing challenges caused by striking nurses.
The health workers are expected to fill the gap of those who are on strike.
The newly appointed health workers include clinical offers, nurses and nutritionists.
Among them are 50 registered nurses, 8 registered clinical officers and 3 nutrition and diabetes officers.
He directed that all the recruited health workers be deployed at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital to fill the gap of those on strike.
Oparanya said that the county would also be recruiting an additional 90 nurses who are expected to report on duty from March 1.
“The recruitment of new health workers shows my commitment in hiring more medical officers to ensure to bring medical services closer to our people,” said Oparanya.
He urged them to adhere to their Professional oath and maintain respect to human life. He also said that the government has invested in health care through providing equipment and improvement of health facilities through equipment.
He added that 30 per cent of the striking nurses have reported to work and also more are willing to get back to work but they are being intimidated by Union officials.
According to Oparanya, recruited medical officers will work on contract for 3 years.
“I have renovated all 13 level four hospitals and equipped them starting from level 1 to level 5,” said Oparanya.
He noted that Sh400 million has been used to renovate Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital with additional Sh600 million used in equipping the health facility.
“We have renovated all level 4 hospitals in the County, constructed more wards and used Sh70 million for construction of the modern Kakamega County Funeral Parlor,” he said.
Deputy Governor Prof Philip Kutima asked new staff to adhere to their professional code of conduct and serve with integrity.
“I urge you to do your best as you serve the people of Kakamega,” said Prof Kutima.
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