Nurses issue 7-day strike notice over unresolved pay, CBA and career grievances
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 23, 2026The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) has issued a seven-day strike notice, warning that nurses and midwives across the country will down their tools on July 29, 2026, if the government fails to address unresolved labour disputes.
The union, through General Secretary Seth Panyako, notified the Council of Governors, the Ministry of Health, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and all 47 county governments of the planned nationwide industrial action.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, KNUNM said it had made efforts to resolve the issues through negotiations but had not received satisfactory responses from relevant authorities.
“The union wishes to bring to your attention the unresolved grievances from our members, which efforts through her representatives have not yielded desired fruits,” Panyako stated.
The union said some of the disputes have remained unresolved for more than a decade, forcing it to consider industrial action.
Five issues behind strike threat
KNUNM listed five key grievances that it wants addressed before the strike begins.
The first issue is the failure to conclude negotiations for the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for nurses and midwives. A CBA is a formal agreement between employers and workers’ representatives that sets out employment terms, including salaries, allowances, working conditions and other benefits.
The union accused authorities of delaying the conclusion of the centralised CBA negotiations despite prolonged discussions.
The second concern is the lack of an implementation framework for the 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement. The agreement was reached after a previous health workers’ strike and contained commitments aimed at improving nurses’ welfare and working conditions.
KNUNM wants the government to provide a clear implementation matrix showing how and when the agreed measures will be executed.
The union also raised concerns over Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses who, despite budget allocations from the National Treasury, have not been placed on payroll or issued with permanent and pensionable employment letters.
According to the nurses’ union, delays in absorbing UHC staff have left many health workers uncertain about their employment status.
“The union demands that the issues raised herein be addressed within seven days from the date of this letter,” Panyako said.
Career progression and Kisii nurses’ dispute
KNUNM also wants the government to implement career guidelines for nursing personnel.
The guidelines are expected to provide a structured pathway for professional growth, promotions and progression within the nursing profession.
The union argues that failure to implement the guidelines has affected nurses’ career advancement and motivation.
Another major dispute involves 46 nurses dismissed by the Kisii County Government in 2021.
KNUNM claims the nurses were wrongfully dismissed while on duty and wants the county administration to reinstate them.
The union has maintained that the dismissal issue remains unresolved despite previous engagements with authorities.
If the strike proceeds, public health facilities across Kenya could experience disruptions from midnight on July 29, 2026.
Nurses form the largest group of healthcare workers in many public facilities, providing services in county hospitals, referral hospitals, dispensaries and specialised units.
A nationwide strike could affect outpatient clinics, maternity services, routine procedures and other essential healthcare services.
KNUNM has instructed its branch officials across the country to mobilise members ahead of the planned industrial action.
The union, however, has left room for dialogue, saying the strike will continue until the outstanding issues are fully addressed.