The Tharaka Nithi County Government has requested the Ministry of Health to suspend salaries for striking health employees who have been absent from duty since January 2025. This decision stems from the significant disruption to health services caused by their absence.

• Approximately 260 staff members, including 138 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) officers and an additional 117 staff, absconded from duty from January 20, 2025, with 21 more absent from February 18, 2025.
• Tharaka Nithi's Health CEC, Dr. Gichuyia Nthuraku, sent a letter to Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, requesting the salary stoppage and recovery of payments made for unworked days.
• The strike by county staff has been ongoing for months due to grievances over contracts termed as exploitative, with Health CS Aden Duale vowing to address issues concerning permanent employment and salary increments.