The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has issued a seven-day nationwide strike notice, warning that its members will withdraw their services if the government fails to fully implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
In a statement released by the union, Secretary General Seth Panyako said nurses have waited for several years for the government to honour the agreement, despite numerous engagements and repeated assurances. He noted that the prolonged delays have left nurses increasingly frustrated and demoralised.
Panyako emphasised that recommendations issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) must be implemented in full and without any alterations, as agreed under the CBA.
According to the strike notice, the union is demanding the full and unconditional implementation of the 2017 CBA, including the harmonisation of salaries and allowances for nurses in line with SRC advisories and official circulars. The union further called for the payment of all negotiated allowances captured in the agreement, including risk allowance, extraneous allowance, uniform allowance, commuter allowance, and any other benefits provided for under the CBA.
The union is also seeking the absorption of all nurses employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme into permanent and pensionable terms. Other demands include the settlement of pending salary arrears and the implementation of clear deployment and transfer guidelines to curb arbitrary postings.
Beyond remuneration, the notice highlighted concerns over working conditions in public health facilities. KNUN is demanding adequate staffing levels, provision of comprehensive medical insurance cover for nurses, safe and conducive working environments, and access to training opportunities and study leave as stipulated in the CBA.
“We appeal to all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, to intervene constructively and bring these matters to an amicable and sustainable resolution for the benefit of the Kenyan public and the health sector at large,” the statement read in part.
Panyako warned that failure by the government to address all the listed issues within the seven-day notice period would trigger a nationwide strike involving nurses across all counties, a move that could significantly disrupt services in public hospitals.
