Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Kenya’s third-largest national referral hospital, is facing a crippling strike by nurses set to commence on September 30, 2024. This industrial action, the first since the hospital’s opening in September 2020, threatens to significantly disrupt services. The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), led by Secretary General Seth Panyako, has issued a 21-day strike notice to the hospital, demanding that nine grievances be addressed promptly.
Grievances Raised by Nurses
The nurses at KUTRRH have voiced several concerns, citing issues such as being understaffed, overworked, and not receiving uniform allowances, including arrears stipulated by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. The union’s demands include the reduction of working hours to 35.5 hours per week, with a maximum of 40 hours, the hiring of an additional 800 nurses, and the conversion of contract positions to permanent terms.
Proper placement into correct job groups and the payment of accrued arrears were also among the grievances listed by the union. The nurses are calling for the promotion of those who are due and the payment of uniform allowances. They are also demanding that KUTRRH negotiate and sign a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with their union and implement a comprehensive human resource policy.
Another key issue is the appointment of a substantive Director of Nursing Services. The position is currently held by Jackline Tindi in an acting capacity, even though the hospital advertised the post in March. These unresolved issues have heightened tensions between the hospital management and its nursing staff.
Union’s Call for Action
In the strike notice addressed to KUTRRH’s CEO, Ahmed Dagane, KNUN emphasized that failure to address the outlined grievances within the 21-day period would result in a full-blown strike starting at 1:00 am on September 30, 2024. “We are, however, open for dialogue and are committed to a cordial working relationship,” Panyako said, expressing the union’s willingness to negotiate.
The union also criticized the hospital leadership for “persistent high-handedness,” alleging that nurses are not given a fair chance to defend themselves against management decisions. This tension has further exacerbated the relationship between the hospital staff and management.
Broader Staff Discontent
The unrest at KUTRRH is not confined to nurses alone; other employees, including doctors, have raised similar concerns. Last week, Dr. Vincent Oyiengo of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and Justin Kinoti of KNUN’s KUTRRH chapter petitioned CEO Dagane to establish a committee to address the grievances. Their petition highlighted issues such as the lack of clear reporting structures and restrictive policies on further studies for employees.
Doctors also expressed dissatisfaction with being required to report to nurses, which they claim disrupts the professional hierarchy and operational efficiency. They have called for the establishment of a doctors’ plaza, which would enable them to treat patients privately, thereby generating additional revenue for the hospital and catering to the needs of a diverse patient population.
The medics have also proposed the creation of fully equipped doctors’ lounges in every department to facilitate better consultation among peers and closer proximity to patients for emergencies. Additionally, they have requested a functional staff clinic that provides timely and private medical care for staff members and their families, separating them from the general patient population.
Management’s Response
While the hospital’s CEO, Ahmed Dagane, has not responded publicly to the grievances, his office confirmed receiving the strike notice on September 10. The management’s response to the union’s demands remains to be seen, as the clock ticks towards the strike deadline.
The looming strike at KUTRRH underscores a critical need for dialogue and swift action from the hospital’s management to address the concerns of its workforce, ensuring that healthcare services are not disrupted and that staff welfare is prioritized.
