Patients in more than 20 Kenyan counties faced disruptions on Thursday as nurses initiated a nationwide strike, intensifying ongoing healthcare sector challenges fueled by other medical workers' industrial actions.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) led protests in Nairobi, delivering petitions to the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors (CoG), pressing for resolution of long-standing labour issues.

Counties Affected and Strike Details

  • Public hospitals in Embu, Kitui, Samburu, Wajir, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka Nithi, Kisii, Baringo, Makueni, Meru, Murang'a, Kisumu, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kwale, Nyamira, Siaya, Uasin Gishu, Lamu, Mombasa, and Nyandarua have been impacted.
  • Nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital are expected to join the strike starting July 31.

Union Grievances

KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako stated that years of negotiations have failed to yield results, accusing government agencies of reneging on agreements. He emphasized five unresolved core disputes threatening the nursing profession's viability and warned of a full nationwide withdrawal of nursing services if demands remain unaddressed within seven days.

The union highlighted the Council of Governors' delay in finalizing the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which would enhance nurses' remuneration and service conditions. Additionally, county governments have not implemented new career guidelines approved in March 2025, stalling promotions and salary increments.

Additional Demands

  • Full execution of the 2017 return-to-work agreement.
  • Permanent and pensionable employment for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, despite parliamentary approval for their absorption.
  • Reinstatement of 46 nurses dismissed in Kisii County in 2021 while on duty.

The Ministry of Health recently took over the payroll for UHC workers, assigning permanent positions to address shortages in national referral hospitals. The union urged the ministry to maintain this arrangement.

Outlook

Panyako directed union branches nationwide to prepare for extended industrial action if the government fails to act. While open to meaningful dialogue, the union insists on tangible progress, warning that continued inaction will lead to a complete halt of public health services.

This strike adds to a series of healthcare sector disruptions involving laboratory officers, public health officers, nutritionists, pharmaceutical officers, clinical officers, and UHC workers who have also protested over separate disputes.