The County Government of Siaya has signed a long-awaited Recognition Agreement with the Kenya Environment and Public Health Practitioners Union, marking a major step toward improving labour relations and strengthening frontline disease control efforts in the region.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting bringing together senior county officials and union representatives, outlines key thematic areas aimed at enhancing collaboration, improving working conditions, and boosting the effectiveness of public health services.
Representing Governor James Orengo’s administration was Wilfred Ouma Nyagudi, alongside Chief Officer for Health Dr. Samuel Owino, Director of Human Resources Susan Raba, Acting County Attorney Leonard Okanda, and Director of Public Health Kennedy Orwuenjo. Union officials were led by Secretary General Brian Ashira.
At the heart of the agreement is a shared commitment to leverage the expertise of trained public health professionals in tackling persistent and emerging health threats. These include infectious diseases such as Covid-19, malaria, pneumonia, and tuberculosis—conditions that continue to pose significant challenges in Siaya and across Kenya.
Nyagudi emphasized the spirit of goodwill underpinning the negotiations, urging union members to view the county government as a collaborative partner rather than an adversary. “We are engaging as mutual partners. The progress made reflects our openness, and we remain receptive to further improvements where necessary,” he said.
Dr. Owino underscored the agreement’s alignment with the Public Health Act (Cap 242), which provides the legal framework for safeguarding public health in Kenya. He noted that improved working conditions for health practitioners are essential to achieving better outcomes in disease prevention, sanitation control, and community health management.
“The success of this agreement will be measured by how effectively we create a safe and enabling environment for our public health workforce,” Owino said.
Union Secretary General Brian Ashira welcomed the agreement as a milestone achievement, praising the county for its commitment to constructive engagement. “We have approached these negotiations with open minds and goodwill. After numerous discussions, we are pleased to see tangible progress,” he stated.
Ashira also called for the appointment of a substantive Community Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) to strengthen oversight of health standards and worker safety across the county.
Acting County Attorney Leonard Okanda highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue, urging both parties to give the agreement a fair chance. He pointed to ongoing reforms under the county administration aimed at harmonizing human resource policies, improving labour relations, and addressing key concerns such as risk allowances for public health workers.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for more structured engagement between the county and the union, ensuring that public health professionals are better supported as they confront the region’s disease burden.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the agreement, signaling a new era of cooperation in Siaya’s public health sector.
By Samson Wire
