Patients across the nation continue to endure without relief as the doctors’ strike extends into its 25th day on Sunday. At Thika Level Five Hospital , the situation worsens as cleaners refuse to work due to seven months of unpaid salaries.
The cleaners, employed under Neru Kenya Ltd, have previously withheld their services over similar salary delays. The accumulation of garbage and unwashed medical equipment now plague the hospital premises, affecting the delivery of medical services.
Biashara ward MCA Kennedy Mwangi addressed the cleaners, expressing concern over the situation and attributing the payment delays to disputes between Kiambu County and the contractor. He urged the governor to intervene and overhaul the management of Thika Level 5 Hospital for operational efficiency.
In response, a Neru Kenya Ltd official, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited outstanding arrears from the Kiambu County government, making it challenging to settle the workers’ dues.
Cleaners, led by Samuel Kinyua and Jackline Naliaka, voiced their frustrations to journalists, revealing their dire circumstances. Many have been evicted from their homes due to unpaid rent and are now seeking refuge at the hospital. Despite receiving minimal wages, they accuse their employers of neglecting their obligations, leaving them in financial distress.
Repeated attempts to obtain comments from Thika Level 5 Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Waturi Kivuti, Chief Officer of Health, Dr. Patrick Nyaga, and CEC Dr. Elias Maina were unsuccessful.
The ongoing strikes deliver a devastating blow to Thika Level Five Hospital, jeopardizing the health and well-being of patients. With doctors already on a 25-day strike, the additional walkout by cleaners due to unpaid wages creates a dire situation.
Furthermore, the filthy conditions caused by the cleaners’ strike raise serious concerns about hygiene and infection control, putting patients at increased risk. This situation, a consequence of a financial dispute between the county government and the cleaning contractor, leaves patients caught in the middle, potentially experiencing a deterioration of their health due to lack of proper care.
