Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has issued a seven-day strike notice to Tharaka-Nithi County Government for non-payment of salaries to some members, delayed promotion among other issues.

In a letter seen by the Nation signed by union national secretary Mr Seth Panyako and addressed to Tharaka-Nithi County Public Service Board, the nurses have a number of issues which they want ironed within the seven days.

In the letter the union is demanding for explanation why salary of a number of their members has been stopped without any notice or explanation including that of the branch secretary Mr Kenneth Micheni. They are grieving over unlawful transferring of the nurses.

The letter mentions Pheaneas Mugao who is said to have been moved to two stations within a period of two months.

The nurses also want the government to timely remit statutory deduction like those of National Health Insurance Funds and loan deductions to avoid penalties.

They are also demanding a lasting solution to delay in salary payment, harmonization of strenuous allowance to nurses both working urban centres and rural areas and promotion and re-designation of deserving members.

In an interview with the Nation, Tharaka-Nithi County KNUN branch chairman Fabian Marigu said more than 90 health workers have not been paid since September 2016.

“The most affected is Chuka County Referral hospital with 36 health workers whose salary has been stopped without any notice or explanation,” said Mr Marigu.

He asked his members to get prepared to boycott duties on October 20 if their demands will not have been addressed conclusively.

Efforts to reach county officials for a comment were not successful as phone calls went unanswered.