Patients in Trans Nzoia County can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Trans Nzoia branch, officially called off a 42-day strike.
The breakthrough came after the union signed a return-to-work formula with Governor George Natembeya’s administration, resolving a prolonged health crisis that had paralyzed services in public facilities.
According to KNUNM’s Executive Secretary, Edward Cheruiyot, the agreement was reached after 12 conciliation talks that addressed key financial and welfare concerns.
Agreed Benefits for Nurses
Under the deal, the county government committed to:
- Implementing the 2017 return-to-work agreement by paying uniform allowance arrears by March 20, 2026.
- Paying a Ksh5,000 allowance increment over three years, totaling Ksh15,000 by the 2027/2028 financial year.
- Offering a Ksh10,000 Nursing Services Allowance to be disbursed within three years.
- Raising the risk allowance from Ksh3,850 to Ksh5,000.
Future Recruitment and CBA Negotiations
Beyond monetary gains, the county also pledged to strengthen staffing. All nurses who exited service since June 2025 will be replaced by May 31, 2026, with 50 new nurses recruited by January 31, 2026.
A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiation committee will also be established, with talks for the 2025–2029 CBA beginning on September 29, 2025.
Additionally, Governor Natembeya’s administration committed to remitting all third-party deductions by the 9th of every month and assured that no nurse among the 400 who took part in the strike will face victimization.
Restoring Health Services
With the strike now over, nurses have resumed duty across hospitals and health centers, restoring essential services to thousands of patients.
“This is a win for both our nurses and the people of Trans Nzoia,” Cheruiyot said, expressing optimism that the agreement will usher in lasting industrial harmony in the county’s health sector
