Senator Omtatah demands Senate probe into hospital failures and teacher exploitation
Omtatah also condemned the abrupt cancellation of internship placements for 306 nursing officers. He described the move as unlawful and discriminatory, noting that it deprived qualified interns of practising licences and worsened hospital staffing shortages.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has urged the Senate to take immediate action over mismanagement in the health sector and poor treatment of teachers, highlighting issues that affect service delivery and workers’ welfare.
On the health front, Omtatah pointed to what he described as serious lapses at Mbagathi County Referral Hospital. He raised concerns about the alleged malpractice in the hospital’s medical bill-waiver programme, intimidation of staff and patients, and the misuse of revenue collected from parking.
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He also requested information on the last audit of the facility and the protections in place for whistleblowers.
The senator expressed concern over the status of medical officers working under the Global Fund TB programme, noting that many have served for over 15 years but remain unpaid for more than a year due to delayed regularisation by the Ministry of Health.
He asked the Ministry to clarify the outstanding salary arrears, budget support, and long-term plans for staff funded by donors.
Omtatah also condemned the abrupt cancellation of internship placements for 306 nursing officers. He described the move as unlawful and discriminatory, noting that it deprived qualified interns of practising licences and worsened hospital staffing shortages.
The Senator pressed for the interns’ reinstatement and compensation for the professional setbacks caused.
Teachers grievances
Shifting to education, Omtatah appealed to the Senate Education Committee to investigate the grievances of over 300 contractual teachers in North Eastern Kenya.
He highlighted delayed pay, absence of formal contracts, and limited opportunities for career progression.
The senator called for the teachers’ absorption into permanent employment and urged the Teachers Service Commission to be held accountable for the situation.
“These matters cut across governance, accountability, and fairness in service delivery. The Senate must protect the rights of patients, health workers, and teachers who continue to serve under very difficult circumstances,” Omtatah said on the Senate floor.
The issues have now been referred to the relevant committees for thorough investigation and reporting back to the House.
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