Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has scheduled an urgent meeting with all its nurses as the deadline for a nationwide nurses’ strike nears on July 29, 2026. The meeting will be held at the KNH Research Centre from 9:00 a.m. to noon and involves the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.
The meeting follows a seven-day strike notice issued by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), which threatens industrial action due to longstanding unresolved grievances affecting nurses and midwives across Kenya.
Key Issues Behind the Strike Threat
- Delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement: KNUNM highlights the stalled negotiations for the 2025-2029 CBA, which outlines employment terms including salaries and allowances.
- Unfulfilled 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement: The union demands a clear implementation plan for commitments made after a previous strike.
- Employment Status of UHC Nurses: Some Universal Health Coverage nurses remain off payroll and lack permanent, pensionable contracts despite allocated budgets.
- Career Progression Delays: Slow implementation of career guidelines has hindered promotions and professional development.
- Reinstatement of Dismissed Nurses: KNUNM calls for the return of 46 nurses dismissed by Kisii County Government in 2021, citing unfair termination.
Potential Impact on KNH Services
A strike could disrupt critical services at KNH, including outpatient clinics, maternity care, routine procedures, and specialised treatments. Nurses form a vital component of Kenya’s healthcare system, and their absence could significantly affect patient care and hospital operations.
Earlier this year, a planned strike was averted after successful negotiations between KNH management and KNUNM, which led to agreements on medical coverage, promotions, workload management, and transitioning contract nurses to permanent roles.
As the July 29 deadline approaches, the upcoming meeting may be pivotal in addressing nurses’ concerns at KNH and potentially averting a nationwide health workers’ strike.
