Nurses Strike Paralyzes Health Services in Uasin Gishu

ELDORET, Kenya – Health services in Uasin Gishu County have been disrupted after more than 700 nurses went on strike, accusing Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration of ignoring their demands for improved working conditions.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) issued a strike notice on December 16, highlighting numerous grievances, including delayed promotions, failure to implement the 2024 SRC salary structure, and the county’s refusal to negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

KNUN Uasin Gishu branch secretary Klein Kimutai said specialized nurses have not been re-designated, while seconded nurses continue to wait for the implementation of a nationally agreed CBA.

The union also accused the county of failing to convert Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses to permanent and pensionable terms.

“Money allocated for promotions has been misappropriated, leaving many nurses stuck in the same job groups for over a decade,” Kimutai alleged.

The nurses, who marched through the streets of Eldoret and staged a sit-in at the county headquarters, demanded an immediate audience with Governor Bii.

However, efforts to get a response from the governor and County Executive for Health Abraham Serem have been unsuccessful.

The strike has impacted over 138 health facilities across the county, with patients turning to private hospitals for treatment or traveling to neighboring counties.

“We will not resume work until the county addresses our issues and implements sustainable solutions,” Kimutai said, adding that the county had also failed to remit statutory deductions, leaving workers vulnerable to financial penalties.

The Ministry of Labour’s mediation efforts have reportedly been snubbed by the county administration, escalating the standoff.