Kenya: Kindiki Urges CoG, Nurses' Union to End Strike Over Health Service Disruptions

Nairobi — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on the Council of Governors (CoG) and the nurses union to quickly resolve the ongoing strike, warning that prolonged disruption of healthcare services could hinder Kenya's development. Kindiki urged the parties to return to negotiations and reach an agreement that addresses nurses' concerns while ensuring Kenyans continue to receive essential healthcare services.

He stressed that health services are vital to the nation's social and economic progress and should not remain disrupted for an extended period. Kindiki highlighted that both the CoG and the nurses union have a responsibility to protect patients' welfare while addressing their grievances. The nurses' strike has disrupted service delivery in public health facilities, causing difficulties for patients seeking treatment and other essential medical services.

As counties are responsible for delivering most public health services under Kenya's devolved system, the CoG plays a crucial role in negotiations with health workers. Kindiki emphasized the need for a sustainable framework to resolve outstanding issues in the health sector, warning that continued disruption would have broader implications for the country.

He called for urgent action to restore normal operations in public hospitals, urging all parties to act with urgency and responsibility. The Deputy President's intervention comes amid pressure on county governments and health workers to reach an agreement and end the disruption.