Nurses Reject ‘Duress’ Claim, Vow to Continue Strike Into Fifth Week

Kenya's National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) has announced that the nationwide nurses' strike will continue into its fifth week, demanding the government and Council of Governors sign and implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The union, led by Joseph Gwosi, also called for President William Ruto's intervention following an alleged assault on nurses during a demonstration in Kisii.

KNUNM National Chairperson Gwosi confirmed that negotiations had resolved the issue of contract workers under the UHC programme, and permanent terms were being granted. However, the main outstanding issue is the CBA. The union estimates the implementation would cost around Sh5.9 billion, an amount Gwosi claims is affordable for the government.

Gwosi questioned why the government could not meet the cost while implementing salary reviews for other public officers. The union further demanded recognition of the risks associated with nurses' work, particularly their exposure to infectious diseases like Mpox, Ebola, and COVID-19. Uniform allowance and career guidelines would also be addressed through a proposed joint committee with the Council of Governors.

Deputy Secretary General Maurice Opetu confirmed the strike's fifth week and assured nurses would not be intimidated by threats or violence during demonstrations. Opetu rejected claims that the return-to-work agreement was signed under duress, stating it was signed in 2017 with no guns pointed at the signatories. The union has urged President Ruto to intervene in the dispute and reiterated the ongoing strike until the CBA issue is resolved.