NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has called for the immediate establishment of Works Councils at national and county levels to address the ongoing health workers’ strike and prevent recurring industrial disputes in the public health sector.
In a position statement issued on September 3, 2026, KMA said the continued disruption of health services places patients at risk, particularly vulnerable populations, and threatens progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The association said both workers’ rights and Kenyans’ constitutional right to healthcare must be protected through effective labour relations.
“Recurring strikes are evidence of systemic governance failures,” KMA said, pointing to delayed implementation of negotiated agreements, inconsistent engagement with health workers and weak mechanisms for resolving disputes.
The association said the current cycle of industrial action was unacceptable and called on both the national and county governments, as employers, to establish systems that allow for continuous engagement with health workers.
KMA proposes Works Councils
KMA wants Works Councils operationalised across all counties and at the national level as structured forums bringing together employers, health worker unions, professional associations and government agencies.
According to the association, the councils would provide a platform for consultation, monitoring the implementation of agreements, identifying emerging workforce challenges and resolving disputes before they escalate into strikes.
“Preventing industrial action should be a function of good governance,” KMA said.
The association also called on the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors and Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council (KHHRAC) to provide technical leadership in strengthening labour relations.
KMA wants the institutions to develop standardised frameworks for the Works Councils, build their capacity and monitor their performance.
Calls for CBA implementation transparency
The association proposed the publication of the implementation status of existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and other negotiated commitments to improve transparency and accountability.
It also called for a joint implementation committee comprising government representatives, health worker unions, professional associations, KHHRAC and other stakeholders to monitor commitments and address emerging disputes.
KMA further wants stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure negotiated agreements are implemented within agreed timelines.
At the same time, it called for the protection of emergency and life-saving health services while negotiations over the current dispute continue.
“The current nurses strike should mark a turning point in reforming labour relations within Kenya’s health sector,” KMA said.
The association argued that sustainable industrial harmony cannot be achieved through repeated crisis negotiations, but requires strong institutions, predictable dialogue, mutual accountability and respect for negotiated commitments.
KMA President Dr Ibrahim Matende said the association remained willing to work with the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, KHHRAC, health worker unions and professional associations to strengthen Kenya’s health system.
“Kenya cannot afford to lose the gains made towards Universal Health Coverage through preventable failures in labour relations. The time to institutionalize meaningful social dialogue is now,” Matende said.
