Nurses and midwives affiliated with the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) officially commenced a nationwide strike on July 30, 2026, citing persistent delays in salary arrears payments and failure by county governments to implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The union leaders announced the strike during separate meetings held in Eldoret and Kapsabet, following prolonged unsuccessful negotiations with various county administrations.
Key Issues Driving the Strike
- Unpaid Salary Arrears: Nurses in Nandi County are demanding payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2017 before resuming work, with KNUN Secretary Jane Jelimo highlighting that three months of promotion arrears remain unpaid.
- Uniform CBA Implementation: The union has engaged counties for several years to ensure consistent application of the 2017 CBA as guided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Uasin Gishu KNUN Secretary Kevin Kimutai emphasized the need for a national dialogue to harmonize implementation.
- Employment Status Concerns: Many nurses have worked for years without confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms, raising employment insecurity within the sector.
Strike Impact and Response
In Turkana County, nurses and midwives have also joined the strike, disrupting health services while demanding salary increments, promotions, and full CBA implementation. County Health Executive Joseph Epem assured residents that contingency plans are in place to maintain critical health services during the strike period.
KNUN’s action underscores long-standing grievances over compensation and employment conditions that have remained unresolved despite repeated engagements with county governments.
