Kihika at One: How Susan 'sweet talked' her way into the hearts of Nakuru health workers
Governor Susan Kihika shares a light moment with community health volunteers in Kuresoi south during a visit to Olenguruone sub county hospital.
“A healthy nation is a working nation.” These were the words of Nakuru Governor, Susan Kihika during her inaugural speech, when she pledged to transform the Nakuru health sector for the better.
Her main focus was the human resource aspect where she gave hope to the health workers promising them permanent positions.
“Healthcare workers due for promotions and re-designation will be promoted and re-designated, and subsequently, adequate budget will be allocated to ensure timely promotions. Health workers serving on contract will be confirmed as permanent and pensionable.” she said.
This was followed by cheers and jubilation from the crowd.
Over the course of her campaign, Kihika had repeated this promise consistently, making it one of the most memorable promises on the campaign trail.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika with Prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the 2022 general election campaign in Nakuru county.
Notably, during the heated gubernatorial debate on a local TV station, Kihika pledged to make all health workers serving under contract permanent and pensionable within 100 days of her being in office.
Many argue that this was the moment that catapulted her to Nakuru governor’s seat as her competitor, former Governor Lee Kinyanjui held different views on the matter.
For the health workers, immediately after her inauguration, the countdown began as they eagerly awaited their confirmation as permanent and pensionable employees under the county government.
It therefore came as a shock to many when the tables turned on June 28 of this year as health workers were up in arms after they received a notice of end of contract.
The health care workers came out to express their disappointment to the Governor who seemed to have gone back on her word.
Speaking at the time, Keziah Vugutsa, one of the contracted health workers revealed that Kihika had visited the Nakuru level five hospital shortly after being sworn in, and promised contracted healthcare workers that they will be employed on a permanent basis.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika with the acting county secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura duringa visit to Nakuru level five hospital in Nakuru city.
“When Governor Kihika was elected, she came to this facility and promised us permanent jobs. We are surprised that what we are getting is termination of our contracts,” she said.
Feeling duped, the health workers moved to court where the wheels of justice turned to their favour in a ruling that saw the cancellation of their dismissal.
Even though the court order was issued the health workers have still not resumed operations.
To add on to their woes on September 26 the doctors in the county downed their tools forcing the county government to move to court, requesting suspension of the strike.
The Court ruled in favour of the county government, suspending the doctors strike.
Coming to Governor, Kihika's defense Acting County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura said the process has stalled because of budget shortfalls.
Dr Mwaura emphasized that upon her coming into office, Kihika prioritized harmonization of salaries for the health workers who were on contract, adding that the plan to convert them to permanent employees is still on course.
"This year we have been allocated a budget to confirm those who were on contract to permanent and pensionable," he added.
On the other hand, the county government carried out a rare Ear, Nose and Throat (E.N.T) Surgery Camp at Nakuru level five hospital which saw 30 patients undergo complex surgeries to remedy their conditions.
Doctors at Nakuru Teaching and Referral hospital conduct ear surgery during the ENT medical camp on September 6, 2023.
The county also prides itself in procuring an audiology microscope which will aid in surgical procedures.
In addition to this, the Naivasha level four Hospital has seen a notable revenue growth. The hospital saw an increase of more than 50 percent from Sh 50 million to Sh76 million.
This move goes a long way in ensuring the hospital settles pending bills that accrued during the Covid- 19 period.