The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has called for emergency discussions with the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) and the Council of Governors (CoG) in a bid to halt a nationwide nurses’ strike affecting public hospitals.

In a letter dated August 4, 2026, SRC CEO Ali Abdullahi Surraw invited union and county government representatives to a meeting on August 5 at SRC headquarters in Nairobi. The talks aim to address unresolved labour disputes that have led nurses across multiple counties to down tools.

Dialogue as a Solution

The SRC acknowledged receiving KNUNM’s notification about planned demonstrations and ongoing welfare concerns for nurses and midwives. Emphasizing dialogue as the preferred resolution method, the SRC hopes the meeting will clarify responsibilities and establish a framework to tackle the pending issues.

Strike Impact and Union Demands

Public health services in counties like Murang’a and Homa Bay remain disrupted as nurses continue industrial action over unaddressed grievances. The union asserts that previous negotiations failed to resolve key matters, prompting the current strike.

  • Finalisation and enforcement of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
  • Full implementation of the 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement
  • Permanent and pensionable employment status for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses
  • Application of approved career progression guidelines
  • Resolution of longstanding welfare and remuneration issues

Role of the Council of Governors

Since county governments employ most public nurses, the CoG has been included to clarify jurisdiction over the union’s demands. Counties have previously highlighted the need for joint interventions involving national government and SRC to address these concerns.

Outlook

The SRC remains committed to ensuring fair and sustainable public sector remuneration under its constitutional mandate. The outcome of the August 5 meeting will be pivotal in determining whether negotiations can end the strike or if disruptions in health services will persist.