Health services in Siaya County are set to return to normal after nurses suspended a strike that had paralysed operations in public health facilities for nearly a week.
The industrial action, which began last Friday, was called off following a deal between the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the county government. The agreement, signed at the county headquarters, commits the devolved unit to address the nurses’ concerns within 30 days.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior county officials, including County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr. Martin K’onyango, and Chief Officer for Governance Walter Okello.
“We have signed an agreement with the union officials that paves the way for the nurses to resume duties with immediate effect,” said Ogutu, noting that both parties had reached consensus on the contentious issues.
KNUN Siaya branch secretary Hamisi Kennedy confirmed the decision to suspend the strike followed consultations with the county government and the union’s national office. He urged all nurses in the county to report back to work without delay.
Branch chairman Dennis Omollo said the union had entered into the agreement in good faith, expressing confidence that the county would honour its commitments.
During the strike, health workers took to the streets of Siaya town and marched to the governor’s office demanding an audience with senior officials. The nurses cited delayed promotions, chronic understaffing, and late remittance of statutory deductions as key grievances.
They also faulted the county government for failing to absorb nurses who have served under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme on contract for more than five years. In addition, they accused the administration of not implementing provisions of a collective bargaining agreement that introduced enhanced nursing and uniform allowances.
The suspension of the strike comes as a relief to residents, many of whom had been forced to seek medical services from private facilities during the industrial action. The next 30 days will be critical as the county works to fulfil its pledges and avert a possible resumption of the strike if the nurses’ grievances remain unresolved.
