Nurses working under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, employed by the Ministry of Health, are demanding permanent and pensionable jobs under the Kilifi County government.

They want job security and fair treatment like their counterparts already employed by the county.

45 nurses gathered in Kilifi town to protest and present a petition to the Governor’s office. They urged the county leadership to address their concerns and take action.

Union Leaders Support the Cause

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Coast Region branch, backed the protesting nurses. Industrial Relations Officer Peter Maroko spoke strongly against unfair pay disparities

Huge Pay Gap Between UHC and County Nurses
Maroko explained that UHC nurses earn a meager Ksh. 50,000 per month before deductions, while their county-employed colleagues receive between Ksh. 80,000 and Ksh. 200,000.

He emphasized that these nurses perform the same duties but receive significantly lower wages.

“Our pay is unfair. We have worked under these conditions for five years, earning less than permanent and pensionable (PNP) nurses despite doing the same work. That is why we have stopped working until Kilifi County absorbs the 45 nurses,” he said.

Nurses Speak Out Against Unfair Treatment

Beatrice Mbeyu, one of the protesting UHC nurses, echoed similar frustrations. She acknowledged that working conditions were decent but lamented their low salaries and inadequate allowances from the national government.

“It is not right that we do the same work as county nurses but earn far less. The county government must correct this injustice and employ us on permanent terms,” she said.

Unpaid Gratuity and Contract Extensions
Apart from low wages, the nurses also raised concerns about their unpaid gratuities. Despite their contracts being extended multiple times, those whose initial agreements had ended had not received their final payments.

Seeking Dialogue with the Governor
UHC nurses, through their representative, Mr. Mlazo Hinzano, requested a direct meeting with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro. They want him to listen to their grievances and find a fair solution.

“We are simply asking for fairness and recognition of our dedication and hard work. We demand equal treatment and payment of our five-year gratuity. Governor Mung’aro must hear us out,” Hinzano said.

Governor’s Office Responds
The head of the Governor’s Delivery Unit, Fikirini Jacobs, received the nurses’ petition. He assured them that he would organize a meeting with Governor Mung’aro to discuss the matter.

“You have served the people of Kenya under the national government, and now you seek employment by the county government. Your request is reasonable. Some of you have already applied for vacancies announced by the county, and we will ensure a conversation with the governor to find a way forward,” Jacobs stated.

Looking Ahead
As the nurses await a response from the county government, they remain hopeful that their demands will be met. They continue to push for fair wages, job security, and recognition of their valuable contribution to the healthcare system

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