By Betty Luke
Isiolo County Government is once again on the receiving end following protests by casuals working in the health department over delayed payments and poor working conditions.
More than 30 casuals barricaded the County Treasury offices gate on Monday morning demanding their 13-month-salary saying they were struggling to provide for their families.
Addressing journalists outside the offices, the irate casuals said it was unfortunate that their salaries had not been processed despite being promised so several months ago.
Ms Mary Nkirote, a health care worker in Bulapesa, said they had tried reaching the county officials through the County Commissioner and were promised that they would be paid but several months later their arrears continue to accumulate.
“I support several orphans and a number of them are yet to join secondary school because I can no longer sustain them,” said Ms Nkirote.
Her situation is similar to Mr Halkano Galgalo’s whose wife left because he could no longer feed her and the children.
Mr Galgalo said it was sad that despite them (casuals) carrying out their duties diligently they were yet to be paid for services rendered.
Mr Eric Mugo, a casual at Bulapesa dispensary, claimed he had severally reached out to Governor Mohammed Kuti on phone to intervene but to no success.
“It has become hard for us to educate and feed our children,” he said, adding “We appeal to the county government to listen to our cries because we are really suffering.”
Isiolo County Health Chief Officer Ibrahim Alio, who maintained that the pending payments were for 11 months, said the casuals’ appointment letters were only waiting to be signed and that they would immediately start receiving payment as permanent employees.
“It is true they have not received their dues for 11 months but everything will be finalized and their payment processed soonest,” said Mr Alio.
