Kenya’s nurses and midwives have called off their nationwide strike after reaching a new agreement with county governments, ending a 41-day work stoppage that began on July 29.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) signed the agreement with county governments on September 9, paving the way for nurses to resume duty.
Among the key commitments in the deal is the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 45 days.
The agreement also provides for the conversion of eligible nurses and other contract staff to permanent and pensionable terms, effective July 1.
Nurses will also benefit from an increase in risk allowances, with the payment rising from Sh3,850 to Sh8,000.
The agreement further protects nurses who participated in the strike from disciplinary action or punishment.
KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako has urged members to return to work within 24 hours following the signing of the deal.
The return of nurses is expected to restore full health services in public hospitals and other facilities across the 47 counties.
The union and county governments have also committed to continued engagement on outstanding issues affecting healthcare workers and the wider health system.
The agreement brings an end to weeks of disruption in public health facilities, during which patients in several parts of the country faced challenges accessing routine and specialised services.