Kindiki Urges CoG, Nurses’ Union to End Strike Over Health Service Disruptions
Kindiki called on the two sides to return to negotiations and reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of nurses while ensuring that Kenyans continue to access essential healthcare services.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has admonished the Council of Governors (CoG) and the nurses' union to swiftly end their ongoing strike, warning that prolonged disruptions to health services could hamper Kenya's development progress. Kindiki urged the two parties to resume negotiations and achieve a resolution that addresses nurses' concerns while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services for Kenyans.
He emphasized that health services are integral to the nation's social and economic growth and should not endure prolonged disruptions. "We must urgently resolve the nurses' strike because disruption of health services hurts our development agenda," Kindiki stressed, calling for prioritization of dialogue over industrial disputes.
The nurse's strike has impacted service delivery in public health facilities, causing patients to face difficulties in obtaining treatment and necessary medical care. Counties are primarily responsible for delivering public health services within Kenya's devolved governance system, making the CoG a crucial player in negotiations with health workers.
Kindiki stressed that both parties bear responsibility for protecting patients' welfare while addressing nurses' grievances. "Our focus must remain on the welfare of Kenyans. We cannot allow disagreements to continue affecting patients who depend on public hospitals for essential services," he emphasized. The Deputy President further highlighted the necessity of a negotiated settlement that would offer a lasting framework for resolving outstanding health sector issues.
This intervention follows mounting pressure on county governments and health workers' representatives to reach an agreement and halt the healthcare service disruptions. Kindiki underscored the urgency of restoring normal operations in public hospitals, warning that continued service interruptions would have broader implications for the country.
"Healthcare is at the heart of our development. We therefore need all parties to act with urgency and responsibility and ensure that services are restored," he said, adding pressure on the CoG and nurses' union to conclude negotiations and alleviate the suffering of patients affected by the strike. The government has consistently advocated for dialogue as the primary method for resolving labor disputes within the health sector, with stakeholders anticipated to work toward an agreement that safeguards the interests of healthcare workers and maintains uninterrupted service delivery.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
