The strike notice has been given by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), which means there is a possibility of a disruption of health services if the government does not implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement of 2017.
Through a communiqué released by the union, the secretary general, Seth Panyako, explained that they have been waiting for years to have this agreement fulfilled by the government despite numerous meetings and promises.
He said that due to the protracted delays, nurses are growing more frustrated and demoralized and that recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission should be fully and without amendment implemented.
As organized in the strike notice, “the union demands the full and unconditional implementation of the 2017 CBA, which includes the harmonization of salaries and allowances for nurses as per advisories issued by SRC.”
The union is also demanding that all negotiated allowances be paid, including those comprised in the agreement such as risk allowance, extraneous allowance, uniform allowance, commuter allowance, and any form of benefits provided for under CBA.
Apart from issues to do with salaries, the union is concerned about issues pertaining to job security, where it is demanding the absorption of nurses who work under the Universal Health Coverage program into permanent and pensionable terms. Additionally, the union is demanding the payment of any pending arrears and the removal of arbitrary deployment and transfer guidelines.
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Working conditions have also been a major issue. The demands include sufficient staff in health facilities, appropriate health insurance cover for nurses, a safe working environment, and training and study leave in accordance with the CBA.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, to constructively intervene and help resolve the aforementioned issues in a mutually amicable and sustainable way that will benefit the people of Kenya and the health sector as a whole,” the statement said. Panyako threatened that failure to address some of the concerns arising over the seven days could go to the extent of launching a strike involving nurses across the entire country.
