The county government has promoted 800 health workers who had for a long time stagnated in the same job group for numerous years despite advancing through training and other capacity building programs.
Governor Jack Ranguma on Tuesday presided over the presentation of promotion letters to the health workers in a project which will cost the county additional an Sh180 million in its annual health budget.
The county became among the first counties to promote its health workers who have been selfless in the provision of services to the people working overtime for the health of the people.
He added that there are numerous processes in place to develop the sector including the recruitment of additional personnel.
“Health workers represent the face of Kisumu government and I urge them to perform to the best of their ability and handle patients with commitment, respect and empathy as my government develops a stable upward mobility program for its staff,” said Ranguma.
The governor congratulated the health team for the achievement urging them to work hard so as to show the fruits of the promotions.
He committed to turn up for the various departments’ staff meetings so that he can engage with staff and come up with strategies to improve each sector.
The promotion of 800 staff will be backdated to January 4, in the program which has seen health workers from all cadres of staff considered.
Maurice Opetu, Secretary, Kenya Union of Nurses stated that the move will motivate all the health workers in the county as even the lowest level of staff had been considered in the first phase of promotions.
Present at the event included Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, Executive Committee Members Elizabeth Ogaja (Health), Michael Onyango (ICT), Jennifer Kere (Education) and George Ongaya (Finance).
Health Chief Officer Dr Ojwang Lusi said the promotion was the first step in improving the health sector.
“We would like to see a happy workforce which receives and handle patients with smiles,” said Lusi, adding that the promotion will now be effected after every three years in line with the labour laws.