By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
8 May 2026 - Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgood Siyat has called on the county government to increase the salaries of nurses and provide them with comprehensive medical cover.
Speaking at Garissa Referral Hospital during the International Nurses Week celebrations, whose theme is “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” the lawmaker said timely and improved salaries would motivate nurses to deliver better services to patients.
“We are asking the government to increase the salaries of nurses and also provide medical cover. It is very unfair for nurses not to have medical cover while those they treat have it,” she said, drawing applause from the nurses.
The County Woman MP also urged the county government to fast-track the absorption of staff working under Universal Health Coverage (UHC) into permanent and pensionable terms.
“We are appealing to the Cabinet Secretary who comes from our county to speak to President Ruto so that nurses can live dignified lives as they help patients,” she said.
The lawmaker, who is also a trained nurse, urged the county government to improve the working conditions of medics at Garissa Referral Hospital.
She warned that she would lead a strike if nurses’ demands are not met.
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She further appealed to the county to employ more qualified nurses and doctors who are currently jobless.
County Chief Officer for Health Abdia Abdiwahab said this year’s theme is a powerful reminder that nurses are not only caregivers at the bedside but also leaders, advocates, educators, and an essential force in building stronger healthcare systems.
“To all our nurses, thank you for the compassion you show, the sacrifices you make, and the strength you continue to demonstrate every day,” she said while addressing nurses at the facility.
The Chief Officer added that behind every recovering patient, safe delivery, emergency response, and life saved, there is a nurse who showed up with dedication, patience, and humanity.