NURSES CALL OFF 43-DAY STRIKE AFTER BREAKTHROUGH DEAL WITH GOVERNORS
Kenya’s nurses have ended their 43-day nationwide strike after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the Council of Governors, paving the way for negotiations on the implementation of the 2017 CBA.
Watch Getembe TV Live
Broadcast Getembe TV Live Stream
Listen Getembe FM Live
Tune in to Getembe FM Live Broadcast
Kenya’s nationwide nurses’ strike has come to an end after 43 days, following the signing of a return-to-work agreement between the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) and the Council of Governors.
KNUNM Secretary-General Seth Panyako announced that nurses would resume duty within 24 hours of the agreement. The deal brings relief to patients and healthcare facilities that had experienced significant disruption during the prolonged industrial action.
The strike, which began on July 29, was largely driven by demands for the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The agreement, reached after an earlier prolonged labour dispute, has remained only partially implemented, with the government citing financial constraints.
Under the new return-to-work agreement, the parties have been given 45 days to conclude negotiations on the implementation of the 2017 CBA.
The agreement is expected to address long-standing concerns raised by nurses, including remuneration and allowances. Nurses have argued that some benefits contained in previous agreements have remained unresolved for years.
The agreement also provides a framework for addressing other outstanding issues affecting nurses across the country's 47 counties.
Strike Put Pressure on Health Services
The 43-day strike placed considerable pressure on Kenya's public healthcare system. Hospitals were forced to operate with reduced nursing staff, while doctors and other healthcare workers faced increased workloads.
The crisis became more serious after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) threatened to issue a strike notice if the nurses' grievances were not addressed. The doctors' union said its members were already struggling with increased workloads caused by the nurses' absence.
The Senate also discussed the impact of the strike, including reports of disruptions at some health facilities.
With the return-to-work agreement now signed, nurses are expected to resume their duties and restore normal operations in public health facilities.
However, the agreement marks the beginning of another phase of negotiations rather than the complete resolution of all nurses' grievances. The next 45 days will be crucial as the union and county governments work towards resolving the outstanding issues surrounding the 2017 CBA.
For millions of Kenyans who depend on public hospitals and health centres, the end of the strike offers much-needed relief while attention now shifts to whether the negotiated commitments will be fully implemented.
ADVERTISEMENT
Watch Getembe TV Live
Broadcast Getembe TV Live Stream
Listen Getembe FM Live
Tune in to Getembe FM Live Broadcast
How do you feel about this article?
Let us know by choosing a reaction below.
Written by Anne Moses
Reporter and staff writer at Getembe News.
Comments 0
Please log in to participate in the comments section.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
Have a news tip?
Do you have an investigation, local story or news event you think we should cover? Contact our newsroom directly.
Submit Tip
Mobile App
Download Getembe Digital App Today
Download Getembe Digital App today for live news updates, breaking notifications, and seamless live streaming.