Nurses issue ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike if demands remain unmet

Kisumu County Nurses on the streets after downing their tools to demand their salary increment, implementation of their CBA and employment for nurses who handled corona and were promised pensionable employment. [Michael Mute, Standard]

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) has issued a one-month nationwide strike notice, warning that nurses will down their tools starting July 7, 2025, if longstanding grievances are not addressed by the government.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, union Secretary General Seth Panyako, said the notice follows years of unaddressed issues, some dating back as far as 2017.

"The union demands that these issues be addressed within 26 working days from the date of this letter. Failure to do so will result in a nationwide nurses' strike commencing on July 7, 2025, shall remain on strike until their issues have been fully addressed," said Panyako.

Among the key grievances is the failure to transition nurses employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme to permanent and pensionable terms.

The union also accused county governments of failing to implement the 2024 revised salary structure in line with guidelines from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Additionally, the national government has been accused of failing to implement the return-to-work formula agreed upon in November 2017, and while county governments have been blamed for stalled negotiation and conclusion of new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

The union also complained of illegal deduction of agency fees by Kenyatta National Hospital, as well as the Ministry of Health's failure to transfer budgets and grants to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Another critical issue is the acute shortage of nurses in public health facilities, with the union now calling for the preauthorisation of nurse anaesthetists to help bridge the gap.

A notice copied to the Cabinet Secretary, Public Service Commission, Council of Governors, Kenyatta National Hospital, and the Social Health Authority has been sent to branch officials directing them to mobilise members for the anticipated strike.

The nurses have, however, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to avert a health crisis. "We are open for dialogue and are committed to a cordial working relationship," said Panyako.