West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has urged striking nurses in his County to resume duty to alleviate the suffering experienced by hundreds of patients in public hospitals.
Governor Lonyangapuo and County top officials have negotiated with more than 400 striking nurses in the County in a bid to end their strike.
In a meeting held at Mtelo hall in Kapenguria for more than 6 hours, the Governor urged the nurses to consider the lives at risk, adding that nobody will be sacked or face disciplinary action.
He added that the Council of Governors is set to discuss the way forward in a meeting in Mombasa next week, reiterating that at the moment they should consider going back to work.
He noted that 100 more nurses will be employed to reduce the workload that the striking nurses have been subjected to and better working conditions will be implemented by the County government.
The nurses raised a number of issues, including the creation of a better working environment, provision of basic equipment, reviewing of promotions and allowances, and that some nurses who have been employed on a contract basis should be permanently employed.
He said he will consider employing a County nurses’ Director and thanked the nurses for turning up when called for whenever a critical issues arise they have been assisting the doctors.
On his part, West Pokot County Deputy Governor Dr. Nicholas Atudonyang, who is also the health CEC said the nurses have valid requests that need adequate attention and they are negotiating within a framework of time of services.
“The nurses have opened up on what they really want and we have explained to them what we can do according to our limitations and the budget,” he said.
He urged nurses not to resign because they will be heading towards the wrong direction and assured patients that the talks will eventually bear fruits.