More than 800 nurses end strike after deal with KUTRRH

By Lawrence Ongaro

More than 800 nurses have called off their strike following the signing of a return-to-work agreement between the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), led by Secretary-General Seth Panyako, and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

The union officially suspended the 21-day strike notice issued on October 15 after signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the hospital.

Speaking at KUTRRH on Friday, November 6, Panyako said the negotiations had addressed several issues that had prompted nurses to threaten industrial action.

The key concerns included salary increments, nurses’ allowances, work uniforms, health allowances, annual leave payments and the implementation of a salary structure based on job grades.

The union described the agreement as a major breakthrough that would improve nurses’ working conditions and strengthen industrial relations at the hospital.

Allowances increased

Under the new agreement, nurses’ allowances will increase, with the nursing allowance rising from Sh20,000 to Sh30,000.

The uniform allowance has also been increased from Sh10,000 to Sh25,000, while the health allowance will rise from Sh3,850 to Sh5,000.

KUTRRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Zeinab Gura said the signing of the CBA marked the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation between the hospital management and KNUNM.

She expressed optimism that the agreement would strengthen the relationship between the two parties and promote a better working environment for healthcare workers.

Senior officials from the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) and KUTRRH pose for a photo after signing an agreement to end the nurses’ and midwives’ strike. Photo by Lawrence Ongaro.

Panyako commended Dr Gura, Labour Officer Cleopas Obiero and the KNUNM leadership for their cooperation in reaching an agreement.

He said the union would closely monitor the implementation of all the signed commitments to ensure that nurses benefited from the negotiated terms.

The agreement also provides for nurses to be promoted in accordance with established career progression guidelines, addressing another concern raised during the negotiations.

The suspension of the strike is expected to ensure continuity of healthcare services at the referral hospital while the remaining issues are handled through continued consultations.