By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, April 15, 2026 - Nurses and midwives at Kenyatta National Hospital have resumed work, two days after going on strike over unresolved grievances.
The return follows hours of engagement between hospital management and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM).
The union had announced the strike on Monday, citing inadequate funding, long-term casual contracts, unpaid pensions, and unfair hiring practices.
KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako said delays in statutory deductions had left many nurses unable to access their salaries.
For two days, operations at the country’s largest referral hospital were disrupted, with patients left waiting in wards and corridors.
“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,” Panyako said.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that both parties reached an agreement through a return-to-work formula signed on Tuesday.
Ad
More from Kenya
Key points in the agreement include improvements to medical cover, structured promotions, measures to address workload challenges, and the gradual transition of contract staff to permanent and pensionable terms.
The Ministry of Health said it will work with both sides to ensure the commitments are implemented and prevent further disruptions.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I thank both negotiating teams for their willingness to engage and resolve the issues,” Duale said.
In a separate statement, KNUNM directed all nurses and midwives to resume duty on Wednesday.
Ad
Ad
More from Kenya
Somali Data Protection Authority Opens Registration for Institutions Handling Personal Data
May 31, 2026
News
Read more →
Somalia Denies Summoning Ambassador Over Avocado Conference Attended by Israeli ambassador in Kenya
May 31, 2026
News
Read more →
Malnutrition Cases Rise in Mandera North as Dozens of Children Admitted to Hospital
May 31, 2026
News
Read more →