Nurses Give SRC Seven Days to End Dispute or Expand Strike to National Hospitals

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to resolve ongoing disputes or face an escalation of the strike to national referral hospitals. This move threatens to worsen healthcare disruptions across the country.

KNUN Secretary-General Seth Panyako emphasized that the union is not seeking new negotiations but requires the SRC to issue letters of no objection for agreements already signed with some county governments, including Marakwet. Without these letters, nurses cannot resume their duties despite signed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

Panyako also criticized the Employment and Labour Relations Court, alleging it has collaborated with the Council of Governors and SRC to prevent the union from obtaining a fair hearing. The prolonged industrial action has negatively impacted both nurses and patients nationwide.

The strike initially began over unresolved issues such as the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers into permanent government roles, salary arrears, outstanding dues, promotions, and improved working conditions. Despite a court directive ordering nurses to return to work, KNUN insists the dispute will not be settled without full implementation of agreed terms.

Currently, the strike has affected multiple counties, with nurses in Eldoret and other regions maintaining daily protests. Public hospitals are experiencing reduced staffing, leading to delays in treatment and forcing patients to seek more costly private care.

Key demands include:

• Issuance of letters of no objection by SRC for CBAs signed with county governments
• Absorption of UHC workers into permanent and pensionable employment
• Payment of salary arrears and outstanding dues
• Implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Improved working conditions and promotions

Failure by SRC to act within the seven-day window will prompt KNUN to extend the strike to national referral hospitals, potentially crippling critical healthcare services and affecting thousands of patients reliant on these facilities.