Medics and Union Advocacy

Medics are people who are generally withdrawn from active participation in workplace politics. This is usually due to the demanding nature of their work, as they are on call 24/7. This situation becomes even more grave for medics who are Dons and who, in addition to being on call, must also prepare for their classes, teach, supervise students on clinical attachment, and also lead their private lives. Medic-Dons thus lead quasi-private lives, shuttling between the lecture halls and the clinics.

But this situation is gradually changing in Maseno University, courtesy of Dr Kennedy Onyango and his colleagues from the schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. An Obstetrician and Gynaecologist by training, Dr Onyango, who was recently elected as a Trustee, has literally “brought the Union to his colleagues” and given them a voice and a space in championing not only the welfare issues of Medics, but that of Dons in general. Initially, Dr Onyango served as a delegate (one of the five elected delegates) and stood out for his clinical understanding and articulation of welfare issues for Dons. When Dons from the School of Medicine were not being paid the enhanced clinical allowances, Dr Onyango ably articulated this concern to the UASU executive, and the executive, in turn, did a demand to the administration. A bi-partisan and conciliatory approach was held, where UASU incorporated its members from the School of Medicine to a session with the University administration, leading to an amicable solution, and UASU members who are medics are currently enjoying the deserved allowances.

Dr Kennedy Onyango believes in representation with surgical precision and brings into UASU the kind of keenness, commitment, and precision he practices as a medic. Involved on a day-to-day affair of helping bring life, Dr Kennedy Onyango, the Gynaecologist, asserts that the Union must at all times bring new life to the welfare of Dons.