27/07/2026
๐๐จ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ญ๐๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐
The Trans Nzoia County Public Service Board today held a consultative meeting with officials of the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) to deliberate on matters affecting medical laboratory personnel in the county.
The union raised concerns over what it described as an acute shortage of laboratory officers, delays in common cadre promotions, alleged discrimination in employment opportunities, and the payment of the 19-month Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC)-approved salary arrears.
The union further observed that some of its members who expected common cadre promotions from July 2024 had not progressed as anticipated.
Responding to the concerns, the Chairperson of the Board Human Resource Committee, Eng. Muiruri Muturi, clarified that common cadre promotions are not automatic. He explained that several factors must be considered before promotions are effected, including confirmation into permanent and pensionable employment, staff attrition, resignations, transfers and compliance with the applicable human resource policies.
Board Chairperson, Madam Joyce Wamalwa, noted that the Board had previously encountered instances where officers accepted appointments but never reported to duty, underscoring the need to verify employment status before implementing promotions.
She further emphasized that all promotions, including those under the common cadre framework, are merit-based and take into account performance appraisal, supervisors' recommendations, initiative and demonstrated competence.
On staffing shortages, the Board reiterated that while it is responsible for recruitment, the initiation of recruitment requests (indents) rests with the respective County Departments. Consequently, requests to fill vacancies can only be processed after the responsible department submits the necessary staffing requirements.
The union also sought clarification on why only two medical laboratory positions were advertised during the recent health recruitment exercise.
In response, the Chairperson referred to the recently approved County Staff Establishment and Organizational Structure, noting that the approved establishment for medical laboratory personnel stands at 103 positions, with 100 currently in post. She encouraged the union to actively participate in the upcoming review of the staffing establishment to provide their professional input on future workforce needs.
On promotions, Mrs. Wamalwa informed the meeting that the Board had recently processed communication relating to approximately 180 promotions across the County Public Service and indicated that the seven affected officers could be among those considered. She encouraged the union to follow up on the status during their next engagement with the Board.
The Board also explained that competitive promotions are conducted strictly against approved vacancies and that meeting the minimum qualifications, being shortlisted or attending an interview does not automatically guarantee promotion. Recruitment and promotion remain subject to the availability of approved positions within the County's staffing establishment.
Board Secretary and Chief Executive Officer CS. Edgar J. Imbamba informed the meeting that the Board had advised County departments, particularly within the health sector, to prioritize optimal utilization of existing personnel before establishing new health facilities. He noted that this approach would help prevent artificial staffing shortages arising from the redistribution of staff without corresponding recruitment.
The union further expressed concerns regarding the current medical insurance cover, stating that some members had experienced challenges while seeking medical services. The Board committed to engaging the relevant stakeholders and providing feedback during the next consultative meeting.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue and strengthening collaboration in addressing human resource issues affecting healthcare service delivery in Trans Nzoia County.
Also present were Board Members Mr. Henry Bunyasi and Dr. Scholastica Nalobile.
The KNUMLO delegation comprised Vice Chairperson Moses Wanzala, Branch Secretary Bartholomew Ouko, Deputy Secretary General Kennedy Kiono, Branch Treasurer Alice Lipesa and Committee Member Agatha June Wekesa.
