The nurses’ strike has entered its eighth day, with the Ministry of Labour stepping in to mediate the ongoing dispute that has paralyzed health services across Kenya.

On August 4, 2026, the Ministry appointed Raphael Tiktik from the Headquarters Labour Office as the national conciliator to spearhead negotiations involving the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), and the Council of Governors (CoG).

This appointment followed a formal request by KNUNM invoking Section 70(1) of the Labour Relations Act, 2007, seeking government intervention to resolve key issues raised in their strike notice.

Core Issues Fueling the Strike

  • Delay in concluding the 2025-2029 centralised Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
  • Lack of an implementation plan for the 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement
  • Non-payment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff salaries despite Treasury allocations
  • Failure to issue permanent and pensionable letters to UHC nurses
  • Non-implementation of Career Guidelines for Nursing Personnel
  • Unresolved reinstatement of 46 nurses dismissed by Kisii County Government in 2021

Chief Industrial Relations Officer Millicent Muli urged the union to suspend the strike and engage in consultations facilitated by the appointed conciliator.

"The Union is asked to call off the intended strike and await the outcome of the envisaged consultations, as the dispute resolution mechanism has already been set in motion," the Ministry’s letter stated.

Union Maintains Strike Despite Mediation Efforts

KNUNM, however, has insisted that the strike will continue across all 47 counties until their demands are fully addressed.

The union highlighted recent gains achieved during the strike, including:

  • National Assembly’s approval of budget allocations for UHC nurses
  • Increased allowances at Kenyatta National Hospital, with uniform allowance rising from Sh15,000 to Sh25,000 and Nursing Service Allowance from Sh20,000 to Sh30,000

KNUNM expressed optimism about ongoing discussions involving key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, SRC, and CoG, aimed at resolving the County Government CBA and other outstanding issues.

"We are highly encouraged by the active engagement of relevant national and regional stakeholders, which signals a strong possibility of a mutually beneficial resolution," the union said.

As the strike continues, the union remains committed to safeguarding nurses’ welfare while urging members to stay resolute.