Nurses and midwives in Turkana County have commenced an industrial strike, disrupting public health services as they press for better pay, promotions, and enforcement of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The strike began on Thursday as part of a nationwide action organized by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), which accuses the national government and the Council of Governors (CoG) of neglecting longstanding labour commitments.
County Assures Continuity of Critical Health Services
Joseph Epem, Turkana's County Executive Committee Member for Health, stated on July 30, 2026, that contingency plans are in place to maintain essential medical services. He urged striking health workers to continue attending to emergency cases despite the industrial action.
"We have ensured coverage in critical departments to guarantee care for urgent patients," said Epem. "I appeal to our health workers to allow critical patients to receive necessary treatment while pursuing their grievances."
Pending Promotions Await Public Service Board Reconstitution
Addressing promotion delays, Epem revealed that the county government has processed promotions for eligible medical personnel but is awaiting the reestablishment of the County Public Service Board before issuing appointment letters.
"All deserving medical staff have been considered for promotion; issuance of letters will follow once the Public Service Board is operational," he explained.
Union's Demands and Nationwide Context
The nurses' demands include immediate salary increments, implementation of career progression guidelines, payment of outstanding allowances, and confirmation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses to permanent and pensionable positions.
The Turkana strike is part of a broader KNUN-led nationwide protest triggered by unresolved labour disputes dating back to the 2017 nurses’ strike. The union insists the strike will persist until the government and CoG fulfill all outstanding agreements and address nurses' grievances.
