Patients in Busia County can now breathe a sigh of relief after nurses suspended their strike for 90 days following an agreement with the county administration. The decision comes after weeks of disrupted services that left many patients stranded and in pain.
The nurses’ union leadership confirmed that they had signed a return-to-work formula that outlines the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). As part of the deal, uniform allowances that had been a sticking point will be gradually raised from Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 over three financial years. Nurses have been urged to report back to work immediately as the county continues to address pending issues.
One of the unresolved matters involves third-party deductions, but the county government has pledged to pay the Social Health Authority within 30 days of the agreement. The county health leadership has assured healthcare workers of its commitment to fulfill their demands, although some of the requests require significant financial resources and time to implement.
During the strike, the situation in Busia County Referral Hospital was dire. Patients who required urgent medical care, including surgical operations, were left unattended. Families expressed frustration as their loved ones endured long waits without treatment. The hospital’s maternity unit was completely closed, and many wards were inactive due to the absence of nurses. Only the outpatient section remained operational, offering services such as laboratory tests, physiotherapy, X-rays, and dental care.
Critical cases like newborns weighing less than one kilogram received close monitoring, while other patients remained in wards under difficult conditions. Some were unable to leave because of their health status, while others had no relatives to help them. The crisis highlighted the crucial role nurses play in the county’s healthcare system and the urgent need for lasting solutions to labor disputes.
The suspension of the strike has brought temporary relief, but both nurses and the county government acknowledge that sustainable improvements in working conditions, timely payment of allowances, and adequate staffing are necessary to prevent future disruptions. Residents hope the 90-day window will provide enough time for meaningful progress, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.
