The Nurses Union in Uasin Gishu has suspended its strike following a return-to-work agreement that promises to address their grievances. Union Secretary General Seth Panyako called on President William Ruto to intervene and ensure the deal is fully implemented.
According to the agreement, the nurses will receive promotions effective February 1, 2025, with promotion letters set to be released by January 20, 2025. “We have indeed suspended the strike pending implementation of all our demands,” stated Klen Kimutai, the union’s Uasin Gishu Secretary.
The county’s nurses had cited multiple grievances, including delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, delayed promotions, and the failure to re-designate specialized nurses. A nine-point list of demands was submitted to the county government before the strike was called off.
The suspension of the industrial action was announced after negotiations with Governor Jonathan Bii’s office. In a statement, the governor assured that neither the nurses nor union officials would face victimization for participating in the strike. Additionally, nurses are to receive their December 2024 and January 2025 salaries without deductions.
“The nurses will resume work immediately, and both parties have committed to ensuring effective delivery of healthcare services,” the governor’s statement read.
The strike, initially announced on December 16, 2024, had been planned to escalate to include the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital if demands remained unmet. The union emphasized that the strike suspension hinges on the timely implementation of the agreed measures.
Uasin Gishu County has over 700 nurses, including 400 on permanent and pensionable terms. The strike sought to address long-standing issues affecting healthcare workers, a critical concern for a region reliant on public health facilities.
Kimutai urged nurses to return to work while the union monitors the county’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations. “We ask our members to resume work immediately as we work with the county to implement what we have agreed in the return-to-work deal,” he said.
The union has vowed to remain vigilant to ensure all grievances are resolved in line with the agreement.
