Sonko Summons His Cabinet for Night Meeting

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Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko chairs a meeting at his office on July 17, 2020
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UPDATE 18:55: Nairobi County health workers on Wednesday, August 26, called off the health workers strike that has taken place since last week.

The strike was called off after talks between Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko's administration and NMS boss Mohammed Badi.

The two parties agreed to the implementation of medical cover and promotions for doctors.


Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko on Tuesday evening, August 25, summoned his cabinet to an emergency meeting at his private office in Upperhill.

Nurses protest outside Afya House in Nairobi during a nationwide strike on September 11, 2017.
Nurses protest outside Afya House in Nairobi during a nationwide strike on September 11, 2017.
Daily Nation

One of the key issues discussed during the meeting included the county health workers strike that was prompted by poor pay, inadequate health insurance, poor quality protective gear and a small number of isolation wards for the patients.

"Their grievances are being addressed this morning and the two parties are looking for a solution," Jacob Elkana, the governor's Communications Director told Kenyans.co.ke.

The governor admitted that a functional healthcare system was key especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country and vowed to work with the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to ensure that the medics returned to work.

"My administration in partnership with NMS will strive to flatten the curve, and the welfare of our health workers remains the cornerstone of this endeavor," the governor vowed.

Nairobi has consistently reported more Covid-19 cases than other counties with the Health Ministry declaring it an epicentre of the virus.

Both NMS boss Mohammed Badi and the Nairobi governor are pursuing dialogue to ensure that the medics return to work.

“We will initiate talks with the union officials to ensure salaries are timely paid," Badi stated.

"Health workers are the heartbeat of virus response so we are negotiating with them on their concerns in order to come to a middle ground and move forward,” he added.

Paralysis in Health services is also being experienced in Homa Bay, Tana River and Kisumu Counties.

Other matters that were discussed in the governor's meeting included; service delivery, incomplete projects, construction of other ECD centers, markets and promotions of county officials.

Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director General Mohammed Badi with Governor Mike Sonko at KICC on Friday, August 21, 2020
Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director General Mohammed Badi with Governor Mike Sonko at KICC on Friday, August 21, 2020
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