A caucus of healthcare workers unions and associations bringing together 17 cadres of health services providers in Trans Nzoia County has threatened to join striking nurses following several reported cases of assault of healthcare workers in line of duty.
A recent case of assault happened at Sitatunga dispensary in Sinyereri ward, Cherang’any Constituency, where a clinical officer was allegedly attacked by a retired headteacher.
Are Trans Nzoia health workers safe?
Speaking to the press on Saturday, September 6, 2025 the medics led by Shadrack Chebet, the chairperson of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Trans Nzoia branch said health workers now operate in fear and called for enhanced security in all the 93 health facilities.
“We no longer feel safe in our work stations. Our clients have turned against us. Currently we have four reported cases and the trend is worrying. We therefore appeal for protection so that we can discharge our duties without fear or worries,” Chebet stated in a press conference.
On his part, Bartholomew Ouko, the branch Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), gave out a seven days ultimatum to the County Government of Trans Nzoia to address the security situation of health workers or else they will down tools until their security is guaranteed.
“We demand that the leadership of this county implement this call among the several other grievances within seven days. If they don’t do so, we will have no choice but to join our nurses in pushing for better working conditions,” Ouko said.
Have many attacks on health workers Trans Nzoia have been reported?
Edward Cheruiyot, Trans Nzoia branch Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) revealed that one case is active in Kitale Law Courts while 20 others have been handled internally.
The nurses’ spokesperson revealed that the attackers are incited and motivated by some politicians who want to violate the rights of the over 400 striking nurses.
“Healthcare workers are being attacked left, right and center. If this continues, we shall withdraw our services as healthcare workers until we are assured of our security,” he stated.
Other unions that were represented in the press conference include Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD) Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT), the Association of Public Health Officers Kenya (APHOK) among others.
Should the health workers make real their threats, health services will be completely paralyzed and patients will suffer the consequences.
This comes 30 days after Trans Nzoia nurses downed tools demanding appointment of interviewed nurses, signing and registration of 2025-2029 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), remittance of their third party deductions and salary increment as per 2024 Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) circular.
