Nurses demonstrate in the streets of Kisii town. file photo | nmg
What you need to know:
The governors claimed their hands were tied since it was the commission’s work to approve the raise.
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, who is the chairman of the Council of Governors’ health committee, said they had agreed with the nurses’ union that approval must first be sought.
The nurses reached an agreement with the council last December.
Governors have asked the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to approve nurses’ salary increase before they can effect it.
The governors claimed their hands were tied since it was the commission’s work to approve the raise. Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, who is the chairman of the Council of Governors’ health committee, said they had agreed with the nurses’ union that approval must first be sought.
The nurses reached an agreement with the council last December. “I really sympathise with the nurses because they deserve better pay, but we as governors cannot give them the money unless it is approved by SRC, the only body with the authority and responsibility of setting salary limits for public workers,” said Mr Ranguma.
He added that governors would face audit questions if they went against the commission. “We have to pay exactly as directed by SRC, but if they refuse we have no otherwise,” Mr Ranguma said.
He asked nurses to go back to work as negotiations continue. The governors had presented a draft proposal of Sh40.3 billion to SRC, but chairperson Sarah Serem said her team was being used as a scapegoat.
