Last Updated on October 7, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
Lodwar, Health workers in Turkana County have issued a joint notice threatening to stage a massive strike and suspend all services within 24 hours if their three-month salary arrears are not settled immediately by Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s administration.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the County Secretary and Head of Public Service, the County Public Service Board, and the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, the workers, through their unions, expressed frustration over what they termed as persistent salary delays that have left them struggling to make ends meet.
The notice, dated October 6, 2025, was also copied to the County Labour Officer, Ministry of Labour (Lodwar Office). It was signed by:
Dr. Fatuma Rajab, General Secretary, Kenya Medical Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU)
Aloice Lopeyok, Chairman, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO)
John Ateyo, Chairman, Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUNM) Caucus Chair
“We are writing to inform you that due to the delay in our salary payment, we are left with no choice but to suspend our duties and responsibilities within the lapse of 24 hours of this notice until further notice,” the letter reads in part.
According to the unions, healthcare workers in Turkana County have gone 90 days without pay, despite repeated appeals by union officials. They say the delay violates employment terms under the Public Service Act and the Human Resource Policy for Public Service, which mandates timely payment of salaries as a fundamental right.
“Given the circumstances, our members are finding it challenging to continue exercising their duties without receiving any remuneration,” the unions stated.
The health workers have vowed to resume their duties only after the county government clears all outstanding payments.
“Failure to meet the above demand before the end of 24 hours, all health workers serving under the County Government of Turkana shall down their tools without further notice,” the unions warned.
