Healthcare services in Lamu County remain paralyzed as nurses vowed to continue with their ongoing strike until their long-standing grievances are addressed.
On Monday, dozens of nurses held a peaceful demonstration on Lamu Island, marching to the offices of the Lamu County Public Service Board. The health workers, carrying placards and chanting slogans, accused the County administration of neglecting their welfare and failing to honor agreements made in previous negotiations.
The striking nurses pointed out that several issues raised in earlier industrial actions including the major strike of 2017 and another held earlier this year—remain unresolved. They say the county has consistently backtracked on promises, leaving them frustrated and demoralized.
Among their key demands are improved working conditions, the timely payment of salaries and allowances, and the implementation of promotions and transfers as agreed in past talks. Some nurses complained of months-long salary delays, while others said they have stagnated in the same job groups for years despite being eligible for advancement.
“We have been patient for too long. Our concerns are not new, but every time we raise them, the county pledges action and then goes silent. We cannot continue working under these conditions,” said one of the union representatives leading the demonstration.
The nurses further warned that unless their grievances are addressed urgently, the strike will persist indefinitely, potentially worsening the already strained healthcare services in the coastal county. Many public hospitals and dispensaries have been forced to scale down operations, with some facilities offering only emergency services.
Residents, especially in remote parts of Lamu, have expressed fears that the prolonged strike could endanger lives, particularly of expectant mothers, children, and patients with chronic illnesses who rely on public healthcare.
Efforts to get an official response from the Lamu County administration were unsuccessful by press time. However, insiders indicated that discussions were underway to seek an amicable resolution.
For now, the nurses remain firm in their stand: no return to work until their demands are met in full.
