By Wasike Elvis
Nurses in Uasin Gishu County have gone on strike, citing the county government's refusal to engage in discussions for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The strike, which began on December 23, 2024, has now entered its fifth day, paralyzing healthcare services across the region.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary for Uasin Gishu County, Klein Kimutai, expressed frustration with the county administration, accusing it of neglecting the concerns of nurses despite several attempts to resolve issues through dialogue. According to Kimutai, the Ministry of Labour has intervened, inviting both the county government and the union for negotiations, but the county has indicated that it will not be available for discussions until December 7, 2025. As a result, the strike will continue indefinitely until the issues are addressed.
“The nurses are not happy with the county government's refusal to address our concerns, particularly concerning promotions. Many of us have been stagnated in our positions for years, while new recruits are being placed in higher job groups. Some of us have been serving for over ten years, with only one promotion during the Kenyatta administration. This is not acceptable,” Kimutai said.
The nurses are also demanding that the county government honor its commitment to promotions. There were funds allocated for promotion, but union representatives allege that some individuals are attempting to misappropriate the money. Additionally, they are calling for the employment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, who have been on contract since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms. The nurses argue that without permanent employment, UHC staff face career stagnation, which they believe hampers their professional development and the quality of healthcare services.
Sharon Jepchirchir, a UHC staff member, shared her personal struggle, stating that many of her colleagues are facing depression due to the lack of job security. “We have been working for five years under contract, and yet we are still not confirmed as permanent employees. It is a very frustrating situation, and some of us are overworked and underpaid. We deserve better,” Jepchirchir said, adding that a budget of just 4 billion shillings is needed to absorb the UHC staff into permanent and pensionable positions.
Another UHC worker, Koech Kiprop, who was employed in 2020, also spoke out about the dire situation. “We have suffered a lot. We were employed in 2020, but our conditions have not improved. We will not return to work until the governor confirms our permanent status,” Kiprop said.
The strike has led to the complete paralysis of healthcare services in Uasin Gishu, with hospitals and health centers unable to provide essential care. The nurses have made it clear that they will not return to work until their demands for fair promotions, permanent employment, and salary adjustments are met.
The nurses' call for action has been echoed by union representatives, who insist that the county government must address the issues promptly to avoid further disruption of healthcare services. “We are asking Governor Jonathan Bii to prioritize our concerns. We want our jobs to be secure, and we want to be treated fairly. This is not just about money; it’s about our dignity as healthcare workers,” Kimutai concluded.
As the strike continues, the county government will have to decide how to address the concerns of the nurses and restore healthcare services to Uasin Gishu County.