Critical healthcare services halted as nurses protest poor working conditions

The strike, which began in Homa Bay, Kisii, and Bungoma, sees healthcare workers vowing to remain off-duty until their demands are fully met. 

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) have issued a one-week ultimatum to the government to address their grievances. If their demands are not addressed, the unions have warned of a nationwide strike starting on January 19

The strike, marked by the familiar calls for better labor conditions, has led to a halt in critical healthcare services for thousands of patients who are now left without attention. 

Nurses have cited the blatant disregard of their Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) by county governments as a major issue, leaving many patients in distress.

Jane Okeyo, a caregiver, expressed her frustration: “I brought my patient here, and they’re in bad shape, unable to lift a leg. They are asking me to take them home, but what am I supposed to do with a patient who can’t even lift an arm?”

Nurses in Homa Bay County have accused the county government of failing to honor a return-to-work agreement made in January last year. 

They also claim to be subjected to harsh working conditions, with statutory deductions made from their salaries but not remitted to the respective entities.

Emadic Okeyo, Secretary-General of the Homa Bay branch, stated: "Our strike has officially begun. We want our issues addressed. The county’s failure to honor our agreement is unacceptable."

Amos Ogaga, Chairman of the Homa Bay branch, added: "We lack many essentials and do not have the resources necessary to serve you properly. Our working conditions are poor."

The situation in Kisii and Bungoma counties mirrors that in Homa Bay, with healthcare workers walking out of their duty stations and leaving patients unattended.

Moses Rianga, KNUN Secretary-General for Kisii, said: "We are committed to this strike and will not return unless the county government engages with us and meets our demands. We don’t want our people to suffer, but if they want services, they’ll have to go to private hospitals because public services are not operational."

Josephine Githinji, leader of the Bungoma Nurses Union, urged the public: "We ask the people of Bungoma to seek services elsewhere. As nurses, we will not offer our services until all our demands are met."

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and the National Nurses Association of Kenya have accused the government of systemic oppression and neglect, arguing that nurses are the least appreciated in the healthcare hierarchy despite shouldering much of the patient care.

 The unions have threatened a nationwide strike next week if the government does not take action to absorb UHC nurses on permanent and pensionable terms, establish clear career progression pathways, and standardize pay scales across counties.