Nurses union issues 7-day strike notice over delayed 2017 CBA implementation

In a notice issued by the union, Secretary General Seth Panyako said nurses had waited for several years for the government to honour the agreement, despite repeated engagements and commitments. 

He said continued delays had left nurses frustrated and demoralised, insisting that recommendations by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission must be implemented in full and without alteration.

According to the strike notice, the union is demanding the full and unconditional implementation of the 2017 CBA, including harmonised salaries and allowances for nurses in line with SRC advisories and circulars. 

The union also demanded payment of all negotiated allowances as captured in the agreement, including risk allowance, extraneous allowance, uniform allowance, commuter allowance, and any other allowances provided for under the CBA.

In addition, the union called for the absorption of all nurses employed under the Universal Health Coverage programme into permanent and pensionable terms, payment of pending salary arrears, and implementation of clear deployment and transfer guidelines to stop arbitrary postings.

The notice also highlighted concerns over working conditions, with the union demanding adequate staffing levels in public health facilities, provision of medical insurance cover for nurses, safe working environments, and access to training and study leave as provided for 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 in all counties, potentially paralysing services in public hospitals.