Coast

Clinical officers hold demos in Mombasa over allowances, reduced salaries

Clinical officers protest in the streets of Mombasa over reduced salaries and allowances on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, May 29, 2024

The health workers are demanding an increase in their health risk allowance from Sh3,000 to Sh15,000.

Clinical officers in Mombasa County staged a demonstration on Tuesday, marching to the Mombasa County Assembly to present their grievances to the Chief Public Officer.

The health workers are demanding an increase in their health risk allowance from Sh3,000 to Sh15,000.

Keep reading

They also protested the reduction in salaries for clinical intern officers, which they claim have been slashed from Sh115,000 to Sh50,000.

The Chairperson of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Peterson Wachira highlighted the nature of their demands, stating that the allowance increase and salary adjustments are necessary to reflect the risks and responsibilities associated with their work.

"The health risk allowance we are asking for was agreed upon in 2021, and what remains is its implementation," said Wachira.

“We are here demanding justice and respect. We will continue until the government addresses our issues and restores our dignity at work."

The ongoing clinician's strike is in its 58th day.

Neglect

The protesting clinical officers also raised concerns about the neglect of clinical interns.

Clinical officers protest in the streets of Mombasa over reduced salaries and allowances on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

They argue that despite performing the same duties as their fully employed counterparts, interns have seen a drastic reduction in their salaries, which they said, undermines their contributions and qualifications.

"Interns have had their salaries cut by more than 50 per cent. This is unacceptable. When you visit hospitals, interns are working just like other healthcare providers, and they have their degrees,” he said.

"Our constitution states that no one should be discriminated against."

Additionally, the officers called for those under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme to be offered permanent contracts.

Clinical officers protest in the streets of Mombasa over reduced salaries and allowances on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He noted several counties in the Coastal region, including Mombasa, have reportedly not paid health workers for over three months, exacerbating the situation and prompting urgent calls for resolution.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court had previously provided a platform for negotiations between health workers and employment boards, but according to Wachira, little progress has been made.

"We are asking, are we foreigners in our own country? Aren't we Kenyan citizens? The government must meet us halfway and provide these funds to put the 8,500 clinical officers on permanent and pensionable contracts," he said.

The clinical officers have vowed to remain firm and continue demonstrating until their demands are met.