Healthcare services across the country face potential disruption after the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) issued a 26-day strike notice to both the national and county governments demanding urgent resolution of longstanding grievances.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako said nurses country will down their tools on July 7 to push for employment of UHC staff on Permanent and Pensionable terms.
He noted that several of the union’s grievances have remained unresolved for over seven years despite repeated appeals for dialogue and action.
According to the union, nurses have continued to work under precarious conditions, which has created disparities in employment and insecurity within the public health system.
Panyako also faulted county governments for failing to implement the new 2024 salary structure proposed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
He added that the revised structure is outlined in an SRC circular dated September 12, 2024, and was meant to take effect from July 1, 2024.
The union also wants the government to honor the Return-to-Work Formula agreed upon on November 2, 2017.
KNUN further accused counties of failing to negotiate and finalise collective bargaining agreements, despite multiple attempts by the union to engage in dialogue.
Pamyako also raised concerns over what he termed as the illegal deduction of agency fees by Kenyatta National Hospital.
He criticised for failing to transfer the necessary budgets and grants to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, a delay that the he argues has negatively impacted operations at the facility.
Other grievances include the continued shortage of nurses in public hospitals, which the union claims has overburdened the existing workforce and compromised service delivery.
KNUN is also demanding the preauthorization of nurse anesthetists and the recognition of nursing health facilities registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya.
Further, the union cited failure by various government entities to remit third-party deductions, a move they say amounts to financial misconduct.
Panyako insisted that while the union is prepared to engage in discussions with the government, their patience is wearing thin.
