Ruto, Governors Set for Talks to End Nationwide Nurses’ Strike

Nairobi, Kenya - President William Ruto and governors are set to convene for talks on Monday aimed at resolving the nationwide nurses’ strike that has severely disrupted healthcare services throughout Kenya. The meeting between national and county governments is expected to center on the core issues fueling the industrial action and explore a lasting resolution to ongoing labor disputes within the health sector.

Cecily Mbarire, the Embu Governor, confirmed that the Council of Governors (CoG) will convene with President Ruto and other national leaders via the National and County Governments Co-ordination Summit on September 7. Established under the Intergovernmental Relations Act, this apex forum serves as the primary platform for relations between Kenya’s federal and county governments.

The nurses’ strike has primarily revolved around the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and disagreements surrounding its financial aspects and execution. Governor Mbarire has attributed a portion of the dispute to the obligations under the 2017 CBA, citing challenges faced by counties in meeting financial commitments due to insufficient resources.

Conversely, the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) staunchly maintains that the agreement is binding and dismisses accusations of its financial unsustainability. KNUNM Secretary-General Seth Panyako reiterated that the CBA remains the central point of contention, and the union has not reached an accord with the Council of Governors.

The union continues to press for progress on the agreement, while county governments urge nurses to resume work as negotiations persist.

The prolonged strike has profoundly impacted public hospitals, leaving patients grappling with difficulties accessing essential healthcare—ranging from routine check-ups to emergency services. Health professionals and rights groups have voiced concerns over the adverse effects of the industrial action on vulnerable patients, especially mothers, newborns, and individuals requiring specialized or urgent care.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for immediate intervention from both governmental levels, warning that the strike has transitioned from a labor issue to a public health and human rights crisis. The commission cited 79 reported deaths between August 31 and September 2, encompassing maternal, neonatal, and perinatal deaths, and has called for independent verification of these fatalities and other health impacts stemming from the strike disruption.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives has also documented deaths involving mothers, newborns, and perinatal cases during the strike, highlighting the dire consequences of the prolonged healthcare disruption. The National Nurses Association of Kenya reported similar fatalities, emphasizing the risks posed by the strike’s ongoing impact on public health services.

The scheduled meeting between President Ruto, governors, and nurses’ representatives offers a crucial opportunity for the national government, county leaders, and health workers to address both the immediate strike and broader challenges concerning healthcare worker employment and welfare. Ultimately, the success of these talks for patients will depend on whether a concrete agreement is reached to restore normal operations in public hospitals and prevent future healthcare service interruptions.