The Machakos County Government has clarified that the ongoing nurses’ strike is part of a nationwide industrial action, not a county-specific crisis.
Speaking at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Muya Ndambuki dismissed claims of a total collapse of health services, noting that only some wards have been affected.
“We have a strike by the nursing fraternity in Machakos County, but this is part of a nationwide strike.”
“It is true that inpatient services have been impacted. However, our clinics and outpatient departments remain fully operational,” he said.
Dr. Ndambuki outlined measures taken to support nurses over the past two years, including promotions and new hires.
He explained that in 2023, of the 422 health worker promotions approved, 132 were for nurses while in 2024, 57 nurses were recruited.
In 2025, an additional 183 nurses were recruited and deployed, while 231 others were promoted.
Dr. Ndambuki added that the recruitment of 42 more nurses is currently underway.
He urged the national government to fully devolve health functions and called on all leaders to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
County Health CECM Justus Kasivu assured residents that outpatient, laboratory, and clinical services remain available, and confirmed adequate medicine supplies in all health facilities.
