Governor Alfred Mutua has downplayed reports that salary payment is to blame for the ongoing doctors' strike in the county.
Speaking on Saturday shortly after meeting with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union officials that ended dramatically, Mutua said that he promptly pays salaries to the medics even before other county employees.
"It is important to note that there is no issue about salaries of doctors or pay rise at all in this current strike," Mutua said.
"I have made it a point for three years now to pay health workers first and everyone else employed in the county later. Salary payment dates are governed by disbursement from the national treasury which at times, is unfortunately delayed," he added.
Despite a 48-hour ultimatum issued to the medics by Mutua, doctors in Machakos County have vowed to continue with their ongoing strike until their grievances are heard and addressed.