Kenya Deputy President urges resolution of nationwide nurses' strike

Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to resolve the ongoing nationwide nurses' strike. The industrial action, led by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), has entered its 34th day, disrupting essential healthcare services including maternity and neonatal care.

The union is demanding the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement, and permanent employment for Universal Health Coverage workers. KNUNM Secretary-General Seth Panyaka stated that while some counties have signed agreements, they are awaiting letters of no objection from the SRC to proceed with implementation.

CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi urged nurses to return to work, noting that the strike continues despite a court ruling declaring the action illegal. While the Council expressed willingness to negotiate, Abdullahi noted that the ongoing strike complicates efforts to reach a resolution regarding the long-standing CBA issues.