New dawn as Busia County signs agreement deal with KUNAD, KNUMLO

The County Government of Busia finally signed the Recognition Agreement with the Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD) and Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) respectively, signaling a new dawn for a legal and structured engagement with the unions.

This comes barely two weeks after collective mutual discussions that led to signing a return-to-work agreement ending a two-month nationwide strike.

Overseeing the process, H.E Hon Arthur Odera, Busia County Deputy Governor and also the County Executive Committee Member in charge of the Health and Sanitation Department explained that the Recognition Agreement is a legal document that creates the relationship between the employer and the employees, therefore, the county leadership is committed to resolve all the backlog of historical issues raised by the union’s leadership ranging from Recognition Agreement, promotions, risk allowances, staffing, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program to enhance a roundtable discussion of current issues.

He revealed that the signage is a departmental milestone to meaningful engagements, and improve health facilities and staff to offer effective and quality medical services to the people.

The Chairperson of Busia County Public Service Board Mr. Michael Onyura congratulated the parties for upholding professionalism and carrying out the agreement in a very peaceful manner and assured them going forward, they will be proactive in dialogue and solve problems amicably as and when they arise.

The National Chairman for KNUMLO, Nicholas Odipo, and his counterpart Michael Odero the Secretary General for KUNAD appreciated County leadership for keeping their word affirming their commitment to constructive engagements on any arising issues before an Industrial action.

Busia becomes the 10th county to sign a Recognition Agreement with KUNAD.

SC Oscar Juma (County Secretary), Pamela Awori (CECM Public Service Management), Dr. Wilberforce Lusamba (Chief Officer of Medical Services), and Patricia Okello (Chief Officer of Public Service Management) were present.