Taita Taveta County gives 112 Covid-era health workers permanent jobs after six years of waiting

Taita Taveta County gives 112 Covid-era health workers permanent jobs after six years of waiting

The workers, recruited during the Covid-19 pandemic, have secured permanent and pensionable terms after six years of uncertainty, with remuneration challenges cited among the reasons for the delay.

A total of 112 healthcare workers in Taita Taveta County who were recruited during the Covid-19 pandemic have received permanent and pensionable appointment letters after six years of waiting, bringing an end to prolonged uncertainty over their employment status. Remuneration challenges were among the obstacles cited in the delayed confirmation process.

Governor Andrew Mwadime issued the appointment letters at his office in Mwatate, formalising the employment of workers who have continued serving in the county’s health facilities since their recruitment.

The appointments cover several cadres, including nurses, clinical officers, laboratory technologists, pharmaceutical technologists and community health personnel.

The six-year delay left the workers serving residents without certainty over their long-term employment, despite their continued contribution to healthcare delivery across the county.

Mwadime acknowledged that remuneration had been among the challenges encountered in absorbing the workers into the permanent establishment. However, he did not provide further details on the difficulties or explain why the confirmation process took six years.

He thanked the workers for remaining in service throughout the period and said his administration was committed to improving the welfare of county employees.

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The 112 workers comprise 31 Registered Nurses II, 23 Community Health Assistants, 11 Medical Laboratory Technologists III, nine Enrolled Nurses II and nine Registered Clinical Officers II.

The group also includes seven Community Health Extension Workers, six Pharmaceutical Technologists III, five Assistant Health Records and Information Officers III, four Assistant Public Health Officers III and three Nutrition and Dietetics Technologists III.

The remaining appointments comprise two radiographers, one Assistant Physiotherapist III and one Orthopaedic Trauma Technician.

Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo said investing in healthcare personnel was essential to building a health system capable of meeting residents’ needs.

However, the announcement did not clarify whether the appointments would help address existing staffing gaps in county health facilities. It also did not indicate how many other healthcare workers remain on contract.

County Health Executive Committee Member Alfred Mlolwa said the transition would give the workers greater job security and support healthcare delivery across Taita Taveta.