KNUN Accuses Government of Slashing Interns Pay By Ksh69,000 and Defying Court Orders
On Wednesday, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) disclosed that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had decreased stipends for intern nurses by Ksh69,000.
Maureen Nzioka, the National Treasurer of the Nurses Union, said the interns were meant to receive Ksh104,000, but the government reduced the amount to Ksh35,000.
In a Wednesday interview, Nzioka mentioned that the government ignored court orders that had instructed maintaining the stipend at Ksh104,000.
The nurses’ union also emphasized that the salary cut is one of the reasons the Union is considering striking.
Nzioka pointed out that the Ministry of Health had asked SRC for advice on the pay of nurses and received a stipend recommendation of Ksh35,000 instead of the Ksh104,000 they were supposed to receive
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Nzioka also noted that the government had suddenly changed its position on hiring nurses on permanent and pensionable terms.
She said that the Ministry of Health planned to transition nurses in the Universal Health Care program to permanent and pensionable terms, but CS Nakhumicha stated that the Public Service advised her otherwise.
Nzioka criticized the government for hiring nurses on contractual terms, which she believes has demotivated them.
She also linked the hiring practices of nurses to hospital understaffing.
The nurses’ union stated that the government has consistently delayed implementing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which would improve their employment terms.
Additionally, Nzioka mentioned that the nurses planned to hold a meeting within the week to discuss the possibility of issuing a strike notice for medical staff.
If they decide to strike, the nurses would join medical staff who have been striking for 55 days and have yet to agree on a return-to-work agreement with the government.
KNUN Accuses Government of Slashing Interns Pay By Ksh69,000 and Defying Court Orders