After weeks of negotiations and industrial action, the County Government of Uasin Gishu and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) Uasin Gishu Branch have successfully reached an agreement, bringing an end to the nurses' strike that began on December 23, 2024.
The strike, which was sparked by grievances raised by nurses, saw negotiations between the County government and KNUNM begin on December 27, 2024. The talks continued over several sessions, culminating in a breakthrough on January 9, 2025. The agreement was formalized with the signing of a "back to work" formula in the presence of a conciliator appointed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
Key representatives from both parties were involved in the deliberations. The County Government was represented by the Acting County Secretary and the Acting Secretary of the County Public Service Board. The union representatives, led by the KNUNM Uasin Gishu Branch, confirmed their agreement to suspend the strike, with all nurses set to resume duty on January 10, 2025, at 8:00 AM.
Under the terms of the agreement, nurses will receive their full salaries for the month of December, and no victimization from either party will occur. Additionally, the nurses are set to receive promotions effective February 1, 2025, with promotion letters to be issued on or before January 20, 2025.
The resolution of the strike comes as a relief to many residents of Uasin Gishu County who have been affected by the disruption in healthcare services. The agreement marks a positive step towards improving working conditions for nurses and ensuring continued healthcare services for the public.
Both the County Government of Uasin Gishu and KNUNM have expressed their commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and resolving any future grievances amicably, with a shared focus on the welfare of healthcare workers and the well-being of the community.
Nurses in Uasin Gishu County will now return to their duties, and the healthcare sector can look forward to a return to normal operations after the month-long disruption.