The State Department for Medical Services under the Ministry of Health has suspended the salaries of 250 employees on its payroll, initiating a new comprehensive headcount for all staff.
While representing Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai explained that the new headcount is meant to realign staff with a newly approved structure by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
According to the PS, the ministry of health found out that there were discrepancies at Mathari and Spinal facilities, where personnel listed on the payroll were found to be deployed elsewhere.
“The Ministry of Health’s State Department for Medical Services has begun a comprehensive headcount to realign its staff with the recently approved structure by the Public Service Commission.
“PS Kimtai emphasized the need to align staff assignments with the newly established framework, highlighting the importance of technical officers for departmental operations,” a statement from the Ministry of Health read in part.
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Ministry of Health Issues Directive to Staff
Subsequently, the members of staff were directed to submit their paperwork by May 7, to avoid any disciplinary action.
According to the Susan Nakhumicha led ministry, many of the staff who did not receive their salaries were those who failed to declare their wealth.
“Approximately 250 employees have already had their salary payments suspended, particularly those who failed to declare their wealth. PS Kimtai emphasized the significance of compliance, as non-compliance may result in being deemed absent from duty.
“PS Kimtai urged all staff to submit paperwork by the 7th to avoid salary disruptions and potential disciplinary measures,” added the statement.
Therefore, the fresh headcount will ensure payroll accuracy through certificate verifications.
“The headcount aims to ensure payroll accuracy and eliminate discrepancies through certificate verifications, updating records, and streamlining divisions and directorates accordingly,
“PS Kimtai clarified that the exercise is solely for record updating, placing individuals according to their specialties, and aligning heads of divisions and directorates. This reflects the Ministry’s commitment to organizational efficiency and accountability,” the statement explained.
Also Read: Kenyan Doctors’ Strike
Order to Doctors on Strike
At the same time, the ministry directed officers who were on strike to report back to work with immediate effect or risk losing their salaries.
In addition, the ministry noted that the headcount would be done for every staff including those in counties and employees on strike ought to go back to their workstation.
“The headcount includes staff in counties, with a directive for those on strike to report back to their workstations and submit necessary paperwork. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action,” added the statement.
Doctors went on strike on March 14, 2024, asking the government to follow through on a labor deal they signed back in 2017.
This deal pledged better pay, improved working conditions, and hiring more doctors. However, the Kenyan government indicted that they couldn’t afford it, pointing out it was agreed upon by a previous leadership.
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