Employees at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) staged a protest on Monday, expressing outrage over the suspension of their medical insurance.
The hospital’s board reportedly halted the staff medical cover, leaving employees and their dependents without access to essential healthcare services.
The staff is demanding the immediate reinstatement of their medical cover and reimbursement for medical expenses they have had to pay out of pocket. They have warned that failure to address their grievances will result in the withdrawal of services.
The protesting employees have raised concerns about the board's alleged interference in the hospital's operations. They claim that the recent appointment of Irungu Kamau to replace Ahmed Dagane was improperly conducted.
Additionally, the staff accuse the management of failing to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
They also allege that the board ignored timelines a Ministry of Labour conciliator set following a strike notice issued on September 9, 2024.
Frustrated employees are now demanding the dissolution of the current board, which they claim has failed to prioritize the institution's growth and the welfare of its staff.
They are advocating the appointment of a caretaker board to oversee the selection of new leadership committed to improving operations and patient care at KUTRRH.
The staff has called on Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa to intervene and address the crisis. They accuse the current board of prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of employees and patients and urge the government to safeguard the hospital’s reputation and functionality.
