Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has refuted allegations that healthcare workers in the county are owed unpaid salaries. The governor stated on Facebook on July 27, 2026, that all salaries processed according to the county payroll have been paid on time, dismissing reports of payment delays as false.
"For the avoidance of doubt, there are no salary arrears or delays owed to healthcare workers by the County Government of Embu," Mbarire affirmed. She accused unidentified political actors of exploiting healthcare worker issues for political leverage, while reiterating her administration's commitment to staff recruitment, promotions, and upgrading medical facilities.
Former Senator Blames County Leadership
In contrast, former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti criticized the county government for recurring strikes by doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and other healthcare personnel citing delayed salaries and poor working conditions. Kivuti, a 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, described the situation as a failure of leadership and management.
He emphasized that the suffering of healthcare workers ultimately affects the people of Embu and pledged to ensure timely salary payments, better work environments, and improved management of health facilities if elected.
Recent Industrial Action and Service Disruptions
The disagreement follows recent industrial action that saw doctors strike until July 24, when negotiations led to a truce and the formation of a joint committee to address staffing shortages, promotions, and other grievances. Normal health services reportedly resumed afterward.
However, some residents, such as Mukami Wa Ireri from Kiritiri, Mbeere South, reported ongoing disruptions at Embu Level 5 Hospital, with uncertainty about which healthcare workers were absent or the extent of the service interruptions.
Broader Labour Tensions
This dispute occurs amid nationwide labour pressures, including clinical officers threatening to withdraw services over issues like job grading, gratuity payments, collective bargaining, and the integration of Universal Health Coverage workers.
While Governor Mbarire addressed salary arrears specifically, she did not explicitly deny healthcare worker participation in strikes. The conflicting reports leave open questions about the status of salary payments and the full restoration of health services in Embu.
