Nationwide Nurses’ Strike Takes Effect as Kisii Union Urges Public to Seek Alternative Healthcare
The Mt Kenya Times 
KNUN Kisii Branch Secretary Moses Riang'a addressing the press has dismissed claims that the strike was politically motivated or intended to embarrass the Kisii County Government photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
Nurses in Kisii County have officially joined a nationwide strike, urging residents to seek treatment in private health facilities and other available alternatives as public healthcare services are disrupted.
Speaking during a press briefing, Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Kisii Branch Chairperson Eric Palton Rioba said the industrial action officially commenced on Wednesday night and would continue until the union’s demands are addressed.
“We have officially launched the nationwide strike, which began last night. We advise members of the public to seek medical attention in private hospitals or other available health facilities as our members remain on strike,” Rioba said.
He clarified that the nurses’ dispute is not with the Kisii County Government, but with the Council of Governors (CoG), which the union accuses of failing to resolve long-standing labour issues affecting nurses across the country.
“We are not in conflict with the Kisii County Government. Our dispute is with the Council of Governors. If the county government has goodwill toward nurses, they should engage the Council of Governors to help resolve the current stalemate,” he added.
KNUN Kisii Branch Secretary Moses Riang’a said the union had exhausted all avenues of dialogue before resorting to industrial action.
He accused the Council of Governors of refusing to negotiate the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) despite repeated requests by the union.
“Our major concern is the failure to negotiate and conclude the 2025–2029 CBA. We have made every effort to engage the Council of Governors, but they have consistently declined to come to the negotiating table,” Riang’a said.
He also cited the failure to implement the 2017 Return-to-Work Formula, saying the lack of an implementation matrix has left many issues unresolved despite years of discussions.
The union further raised concerns over the status of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses, noting that although they were confirmed into permanent and pensionable employment, many are yet to receive official appointment letters.
According to Riang’a, nurses are also demanding the implementation of career progression guidelines to ensure fair promotions and professional growth within the public health sector.
In addition, the union wants the reinstatement of 46 nurses in Kisii County whom it says were wrongfully dismissed.
“These are the issues that have compelled us to go on strike. We will not resume duty until the Collective Bargaining Agreement is negotiated, signed, and approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), allowing nurses to enjoy the benefits they deserve,” he said.
Riang’a dismissed claims that the strike was politically motivated or intended to embarrass the Kisii County Government.
“We have no dispute with the county government. These are national issues that require action from the Council of Governors. We urge the county government, if it has goodwill toward nurses, to support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute,” he said.
The nationwide strike is expected to affect services in public health facilities across the country as nurses press for improved working conditions, implementation of previous agreements, and the conclusion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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