On August 6, 2026, over 23,000 nurses and midwives from all 47 counties will gather in Nairobi for a large-scale procession to present their grievances to key public service institutions. The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) has formally notified the National Police Service and requested security for the event.

The march will commence at Green Park at 9:00 a.m., proceed along Ngong Road to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), then continue via Waiyaki Way to Delta House, the headquarters of the Council of Governors (CoG). Union representatives will deliver their demands to the CEOs of both SRC and CoG before returning to Green Park.

Key Demands and Background

  • Finalization of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
  • Implementation of nursing career guidelines approved by the Public Service Commission in March 2025
  • Full enforcement of the 2017 return-to-work agreement
  • Permanency and pensionable terms for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, with payroll maintained by the Ministry of Health
  • Deployment of permanent staff to national referral hospitals facing shortages
  • Reinstatement of 46 nurses dismissed by Kisii County in 2021 while on duty

KNUNM General Secretary Seth Panyako expressed frustration over years of fruitless negotiations, accusing authorities of ignoring agreements and issuing empty promises. He warned that if these core issues remain unaddressed, the union is prepared for prolonged industrial action.

"We remain open to meaningful dialogue but will no longer tolerate political rhetoric. Kenyan nurses and midwives deserve rightful terms of service, or the public health system risks a complete standstill," Panyako stated.

Ongoing Strike and Mobilization

The planned march coincides with an ongoing nationwide strike by nurses over unresolved labor disputes impacting health service delivery. The union has mobilized members across the country to prepare for extended industrial action if demands are not met.

By rallying 500 nurses from each county, the union aims to pressure government agencies to honor previous commitments and provide sustainable solutions for the nursing workforce.