Crisis looms as Kenyatta National Hospital workers threaten strike

By Ally Jamah

Over 4,000 workers at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have threatened to go on strike on Thursday demanding Sh1.3 billion in salary increases and allowances.

Hundreds of nurses gathered at KNH grounds yesterday, chanting slogans vowing to stay away from work beginning today until the hospital management pay them 46 per cent salary increase for two years effective July 1, 2011. The workers also want a house allowance of 23 per cent and leave allowance of between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000

They said the figures are contained in a Collective Bargaining Agreement signed between KNH and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied in 2011.

“We have tried our best to have the CBA implemented but KNH management has been taking us round and round. So we have finally decided to withhold our services in order for them to listen to us,” said Mr Jared Konam - Chairman KNH’s Union Works Committee.

In response, KNH’s Communication Officer and Spokesman Simon Ithae said the Treasury had delayed in releasing the money and urged the workers to be patient until that is done.