By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Kakamega Governor, Fernandes Barasa has lauded the leadership of nurses in the county for suspending a planned strike after successful dialogue with the county government.
The governor spoke on Sunday during the African Divine Church (ADC) – Kakamega Cluster thanksgiving service at Bondeni Primary School grounds, presided over by Bishop John Chabuga where he expressed his deep appreciation for the nurses’ decision to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, rather than disrupt vital healthcare services.
“I want to thank the nurses and their leadership for their commitment to the well-being of our people,” Governor Barasa said. “By choosing dialogue, they have allowed us to work together to address their concerns and improve healthcare delivery in our county.” His remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration in finding solutions that benefit both the healthcare workers and the people they serve as opposed to engaging in running battles.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUN) – Kakamega branch called off their strike after the county government committed to paying the nurses’ withheld salaries for December 2024 and January 2025 in full by January 31, 2025.
In addition, the county government agreed to resume negotiations for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the County Public Service Board starting February 14, 2025, after presenting the national signed CBA draft.
The County Public Service Board will also initiate suitability interviews for promotions and re-designations starting January 13, 2025 and also, the Kakamega County Government, through Jubilee Insurance, has procured a comprehensive medical scheme for all county workers including the nurses.
Governor Barasa took the opportunity to also urge Kakamega residents to register for the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
He stated that SHA will go a long way in improving access to quality healthcare services for the people of Kakamega, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The Social Health Authority is a key step towards ensuring that all Kakamega residents have access to the healthcare they deserve,” Barasa said. “I encourage everyone, especially those in low-income families, to register and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The governor also reminded residents of the upcoming deadline for the Ward-Based Bursary application, which is set for January 17. He urged the local population to act quickly and collect their application forms from the Ward Administrators’ offices across the county.
“I want to particularly urge the people of Shieywe Ward to ensure they get their bursary forms before the deadline,” he added, stressing the importance of education and support for students in need.
In his address, Governor Barasa also announced plans for the construction of a new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center at Bondeni Primary School in Shieywe Ward, located in Lurambi Constituency.
The new center is part of the county government’s efforts to enhance early childhood education and give children in the region a strong start in their educational journey.
The governor further called on local leaders to shift their focus from divisive politics to tangible development. He urged leaders to work together for the benefit of the electorate and avoid engaging in public confrontations to gain cheap political mileage.
“I want to ask leaders to focus on unity and development rather than engage in negative politics,” Governor Barasa said. “Let us not bring politics to funerals or public gatherings. We should
