MAKUENI CONFIRMS 216 CONTRACT HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO PERMANENT TERMS

The Makueni County Government has confirmed 216 healthcare workers, who had served on contract for more than three years, to permanent and pensionable terms.

The confirmation letters were issued on Wednesday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during a ceremony held at the Mother and Child Hospital.

The newly confirmed staff include 50 nurses, 24 registered clinical officers, 18 medical laboratory technologists, 12 pharmaceutical technologists, 11 psychological counsellors, and 4 emergency medical technicians, among other essential health professionals.

The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening the county’s health system by investing in the welfare of health workers.

As part of this commitment, 917 employees across various cadres have already been promoted after years of stagnation in the same job groups.

Further, 56 doctors, including six consultants, were elevated to Job Group R, while three senior consultants were promoted to Job Group S in recognition of their critical contributions.

In a major boost to specialized care, the county has also hired its first neurosurgeon, who is now stationed at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The Governor acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare personnel working on contract terms, including job insecurity, disparities in remuneration, limited access to training opportunities, and difficulties in obtaining credit facilities despite being expected to deliver at par with their permanently employed counterparts.

Governor Kilonzo Jr. was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, chairman Public Service Board Dr.Nickodemus Muteti, several Members of County Assembly, and members of the County Executive during the event.