By Kevin Sang, Eldoret
The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Uasin Gishu Branch has officially launched a countywide strike, citing longstanding grievances that have gone unaddressed by the county government.
Speaking in Eldoret on Monday, Branch Secretary Mr Kevin Kimutai expressed frustration over the county administration’s failure to resolve critical issues affecting nurses, despite years of persistent dialogue.
He revealed that the decision to strike followed a union meeting held on December 6, this year, during which members deliberated on the matter and resolved to take industrial action.
Among the key concerns highlighted by the union are delays in promoting nurses, the lack of re-designation for specialized nurses, failure to remit statutory deductions on time, and the non-implementation of the 2024 salary structure proposed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
“For two years, we have engaged the county government in good faith, writing letters and requesting meetings, yet our concerns have been ignored,” said Mr Kimutai. “Our patience has run out. These unresolved issues not only demoralize nurses but also compromise the quality of healthcare services in Uasin Gishu County.”
The strike notice, issued on December 10, 2024, provided a seven-day window for the county government to respond but expired on December 17, 2024, without resolution.
Mr Kimutai emphasized that the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue, leaving nurses with no choice but to strike.
“This decision was not made lightly,” he stated. “We have been patient, but unfulfilled promises and lack of action have eroded our trust. Our members can no longer work under these conditions.”
The union criticized the county government for failing to honor previous commitments, including overdue promotions and financial adjustments for specialized nurses.
Additionally, delays in remitting statutory deductions have caused significant financial hardship for healthcare workers, further straining their morale and professionalism.
The strike has led to disruptions in healthcare services across the county, with the union urging the county government to act swiftly to resolve the impasse. “We remain committed to serving the people of this county, but we demand fair treatment and respect for our work,” said Mr Kimutai.
He called on the national government, stakeholders, and the public to support their cause, noting that addressing nurses’ grievances is essential for ensuring quality healthcare for residents.
“The ball is now in the county government’s court,” Mr Kimutai concluded. “We urge them to prioritize the welfare of nurses and restore normalcy to our health facilities.”
As the strike continues, healthcare services in Uasin Gishu remain disrupted, leaving residents anxiously awaiting a resolution to the stalemate.
