PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.ke’s Patreon programme.
Nakuru senator Tabitha Karanja has praised the High Court for temporarily reinstating over 780 health workers on contract and casual employment that had been sacked by Nakuru county.
Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued orders stopping the implementation of a circular by Nakuru county government via the County Public Service Board.
Nakuru county, via a circular, namely DOHS/COMHS/31/5/1 dated May 31, 2023 sought to terminate the services of all health workers employed on a casual and contractual basis.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!
Real stories video highlighting the health workers' sacking row below:
The move saw the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) file an application against the County Public Service Board of Nakuru and Nakuru county government.
On Thursday, July 27, Lady Justice Wasilwa temporarily stopped the implementation of the circular by the county after hearing submissions from the applicants and respondents.
"This matter coming up for mention for direction on Thursday, July 27, 2023 before Justice H. Wasilwa and upon hearing the submissions made by counsel Okore for the respondents and Ms. Nyambura for the claimant union.
"It is hereby ordered that, upon inter-partes hearing of the application, this honourable court issues an order staying implementation of the circular of reference DOHS/COMHS/31/5/1 dated May 31, 2023 and the casual/contract nurses to continue rendering services pending hearing and determination of the claim annexed to this application," ordered Wasilwa.
The respondents were given 14 days to file their responses to the Kenya Union of Nurses.
The latter was also required to respond within 14 days, with the matter scheduled for a mention on October 3, 2023.
Karanja, who has been urging the county to consider employing casual and contractual health workers on permanent and pensionable terms, welcomed the court's ruling.
"On behalf of my great Nakuru county people, I wish to humbly and sincerely thank the Employment and Labour Relations Court of Nakuru for listening to the public cries of Nakuru people.
"The orders issued by the Court will bring back sanity and restore hope in our health facilities across the County. My sincere apologies to all our medical personnel whose source of livelihood were affected by the termination of contracts," Karanja posted on Facebook.
She urged the employees to get back to work and serve the public with dedication, professionalism and diligence.
The senator has been battling a tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority and was recently sought by authorities for failing to honour summons to appear in court.
The founder of Keroche Breweries had earlier dismissed a warrant of arrest against her concerning the same KSh 14 billion tax evasion dispute.
Like Kihika, Karanja was elected Nakuru senator on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.
PAY ATTENTION:check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Toyota Factories In Japan Hit By Massive Glitch
RAFFS Project To Cushion Countries Against Impact Of Future Droughts On Animal Feed, Fodder Systems
Kipchumba Murkomen Stylishly Steps Out Wearing KSh 130k Gucci Sneakers
Tabitha Karanja
Senator Tabitha Karanja Praises Court for Ordering Contract and Casual Nurses to Continue
Senator Tabitha Karanja Praises Court for Ordering Contract and Casual Nurses to Continue