KNH Moves to Resolve Nurses’ Grievances Amid Strike Threat

By Ken Muthomi - Reporter

Kenya, April 13, 2026 - Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has assured that it is addressing grievances raised by nurses and midwives who had threatened to down their tools, in a bid to ensure uninterrupted provision of specialised healthcare.

Responding to media reports on the looming industrial action, hospital management attributed the concerns to delays in remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, as well as broader staff welfare issues.

KNH CEO Richard Lesiyampe said the challenges are tied to structured remittance systems, similar to other public institutions, which depend on institutional cash-flow cycles and reimbursement processes.

He noted that a significant portion of the hospital’s operational funding comes from the national healthcare financing framework, which influences the timing of remittances.

The hospital management said it is actively engaging with relevant government agencies to address staff concerns and ensure operations remain seamless.

“These issues are currently being addressed through established consultation mechanisms between the hospital, relevant government agencies, and staff representatives,” Lesiyampe said.

“KNH confirms that staff salaries have been processed and paid up to March 2026. The hospital is actively addressing staff welfare matters through dialogue and established processes to ensure uninterrupted care,” he added.

The response comes hours after the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) announced that nurses and midwives at the hospital would down their tools on Monday, citing inadequate funding, long-term casual contracts, unpaid pensions, and unfair hiring practices.

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KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako said delays in statutory deductions have left many nurses unable to access their salaries.

“KNH does not have adequate funds. We have nurses who have been on casual terms for between four and six years. They receive salaries, but banks retain the funds because statutory deductions are not remitted,” Panyako said.

“On Monday, nurses are seeking answers for the first time; enough is enough. You cannot hire new staff who earn more than those who have been there for five years; that is not fair,” he added.

The hospital, however, said it is working to regularise employment terms, noting that some nurses and midwives have already transitioned from contract positions to permanent and pensionable roles.

Lesiyampe maintained that KNH continues to operate within the established pension administration framework to ensure both employer and employee obligations are met.