Summary
- Nurses in Laikipia have gone on strike over unresolved grievances.
- Key issues include salary arrears, promotions, and staff shortages.
- Public health services across the county have been disrupted.
NAIROBI, Kenya- Nurses and midwives in Laikipia County have gone on strike, disrupting health services in public facilities across the region.
The medics, represented by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), are protesting the county government’s failure to implement a 16-point return-to-work agreement.
Nurses cite unpaid dues and stalled promotions
Union officials led by Peter Ndimba and Daniel Mungai said the strike was triggered by unresolved salary arrears, delayed promotions, and staff shortages.
They also cited lack of essential tools, issues with medical cover, and failure to implement a 17-tier grading structure.
The union accused the county of failing to honour a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Protests erupt as services grind to a halt
The nurses staged demonstrations in Nyahururu, chanting slogans and carrying placards.
Public health services across Laikipia have since been paralysed, with patients left stranded in government facilities.
Union leaders warned that the strike will continue until all grievances are addressed.
County cites financial challenges, promises progress
The union has blamed officials in Governor Joshua Irungu’s administration, including County Secretary Wahome Koinange and Public Service Board chair Macharia Gakiri, for failing to resolve the issues.
However, Laikipia Health CECM Albert Wagura Taiti said the county is implementing some reforms, albeit slowly due to financial constraints.
He noted that some health workers have recently received confirmation letters, adding that it is only a matter of time before outstanding HR issues are resolved.
