A meeting room in Bungoma County offices. The room is filled with county officials and representatives of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Bungoma branch.]
Carolyne Makali (CECM for Health and Sanitation): Thank you all for coming. Today marks a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of our hardworking nurses. I am pleased to announce that following fruitful discussions, the nurses’ strike has been suspended.
David Wamalwa (KNUN Bungoma Branch Secretary): Yes, after careful deliberation, we have decided to put the strike on hold. The county government has shown goodwill by agreeing to implement key concerns raised in our strike notice.
Reporter: This is a relief for many patients who have been affected by the three-week-long strike. Can you highlight the main issues that have been addressed?
Wamalwa: Certainly. The county has committed to implementing promotions, redesignations, and confirmations for our members. These processes are at different stages, but we now have a clear framework to ensure they are executed efficiently.
Makali: We understand the importance of these demands and appreciate the patience shown by nurses. That’s why we have taken immediate action, including restoring comprehensive health insurance coverage. Britam Insurance has resumed services for healthcare workers.
Reporter: That’s good news. What about allowances? Some nurses had complained about delays in uniform and other benefits.
Makali: The county is committed to ensuring all pending allowances, including uniform allowances, are paid according to the applicable circulars.
Reporter: There were concerns that striking nurses might face disciplinary action. Has this issue been resolved?
Wamalwa: Yes, the county has assured us that no nurse who participated in the strike will be punished. This was a key concern for our members.
Makali: Indeed, we recognize the right of workers to advocate for better conditions. Moving forward, we have agreed to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to address any emerging issues amicably.
Reporter: Does this mean the nurses are resuming work immediately?
Wamalwa: Yes. We have instructed all our members to return to their stations within 24 hours. Our priority is to restore healthcare services across Bungoma County.
Makali: We urge members of the public to visit health facilities with confidence. Services are now back to normal. We apologize for any inconvenience caused during the strike and are committed to working closely with the nurses’ union to prevent future disruptions.
Reporter: This sounds promising. Who else was involved in these discussions?
Makali: Apart from myself and Mr. Wamalwa, the negotiations were witnessed by Chief Officer Magrina Mayama (Health and Sanitation), County Director of Health Caleb Wanambisi, and other senior officials.
Reporter: Thank you both for your time. We hope these agreements will lead to lasting improvements in the healthcare sector.
