Health unions announce nationwide strike from next week

Medical services across Kenya are set to be disrupted after the Health Union Caucus announced a nationwide strike beginning midnight on Monday, July 20, citing the government's failure to address long-standing grievances affecting the sector and its workers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the caucus accused the Council of Governors (CoG) of failing to act on the grievances presented to them on June 15, 2026, regarding the health workers' welfare and job security. 

"This continued silence and administrative inaction have left the Union with no alternative but to proceed with industrial action to safeguard our members' rights and livelihoods," the statement read.

The Health Union Caucus accused county governments of violating the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Act and the Constitution by failing to resolve disputes affecting thousands of healthcare workers.

According to the unions, many health workers continue to operate under difficult working conditions marked by uncertainty over their employment and a lack of medical insurance for themselves and their dependants.

Among the key demands is the immediate absorption of eligible Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund health workers into permanent and pensionable terms, accompanied by the issuance of appointment letters.

The unions are also demanding the immediate signing and implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by all county governments that are yet to adopt it, as well as the full implementation of commitments contained in the Return-to-Work Formula signed on January 28, 2026.

Additionally, the Health Union Caucus is calling for county governments to sign recognition agreements to facilitate lawful industrial relations processes.

Despite issuing the strike notice, the unions maintained that they remain open to dialogue and urged the government and county administrations to engage in meaningful negotiations before the strike begins.