The Kericho County Government has commenced the process of confirming 800 health workers who have been on contract in the local facilities.
Governor Eric Mutai observed that 500 workers will be hired in the first phase, with sh. 20 billion having been set aside for the programme.
Speaking in Kericho town, he said some medical practitioners have worked on contract since 2012 while others are beyond 45 years and still earning very little.
“We have to do what is right. We had delays and we sincerely apologize for that but we are beginning the process of confirmation this week,” he said.
According to Mutai, the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, have seen devolved units miss sh 20 billion, with Kericho suffering sh 250 million lose.
He observed that the county already has sh 80 million and has set aside another 70 million in the supplementary budget for the process, noting that reduced county allocation would mean that not all health care workers would be confirmed at once.
Mutai assured that the process would be above board, adding that another 100 health care workers will be confirmed in the next one month.
The medics on their part, called for fairness during the process, adding that many of them have wanted to further their studies but lack of funds and job security has hindered their efforts.
“We don’t want cases of bias where relatives of officials are given priority during confirmation. We all deserve to be confirmed without bias,” one worker said.