Health workers in Meru County are crediting Governor Mutuma M’ethingia with improving relations between the county administration and medical staff, saying long-standing concerns are finally receiving attention.
Kenya National Union of Nurses Meru branch chairman Mugambi Bakari speaks at a press briefing.
Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Meru Branch chairperson Mugambi Bakari said the governor’s approach to dialogue has eased tensions that previously led to repeated industrial action. “Compared to past administrations, we now feel heard. The reason we have not seen any strikes during Mutuma’s term is because there is open engagement between us and the county leadership,” He said.
Bakari, who represents seven unions in the health sector—including those for clinical officers, public health officers, nutritionists, laboratory staff and doctors, said communication with the Governor Mutuma’s administration has improved significantly.
“We used to struggle to get our issues on the table, but now discussions are regular and productive,” he said.
Henry Mwenda Marangu, chair of the clinical officers’ union in Meru, echoed these sentiments, noting that career stagnation has been a major grievance across the sector. “Promotions have been one of the toughest issues for health workers, and we appreciate that steps are finally being taken to address them,” Marangu said.
He noted that union leaders have met the governor several times since he took office, alongside additional meetings with various departments. According to Bakari, the consistent dialogue has led to timely salary payments for health workers, a shift from previous periods of delayed compensation. “For the first time in years, our members are receiving their salaries before the month ends,” he said.
Bakari added that supplies to health facilities have become more reliable.
“Drug shortages were common in the past, but deliveries have become more frequent and in larger quantities,” he said.
He further highlighted progress on staff promotions, a persistent concern among health workers.
“Promotions have begun moving, especially for common cadre staff, and many expect to be upgraded by the end of the year,” he said.
Bakari added that the governor had “committed to increasing the Sh21 million set aside for promotions and the Sh100 million budgeted for new employment in the next financial year.”
