Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) nurses have issued a 21-day strike notice, threatening to withdraw their services on November 9, over unresolved employment grievances.
Through a statement shared to Kenyans.co.ke on October 14, the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) warned that the industrial action would begin at 12:01 am if hospital management fails to address the outstanding issues.
“We hereby issue a Twenty-One (21) days strike notice to the management of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital,” KNUNM stated in part.
The union’s General Secretary Seth Panyako notified the hospital's Chief Executive Officer through the very same letter that nurses and midwives would withdraw their labour until their demands were met.
Seth Panyako addressing the residents of Malava in Kakamega County at a past political rally.
Photo
Seth Panyako
The union, however, stated that essential services would continue during the strike, with no new admissions accepted at the facility from the start of the industrial action.
“However, the union shall ensure continuity of services with no new admissions,” added the statement.
Among the seven grievances raised by the union is the delayed conversion of eligible nurses from temporary contracts to permanent and pensionable employment, alongside demands for accrued salary arrears.
The union is also demanding payment of outstanding gratuity, the finalization and signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and a review of temporary contract rates for the nurses.
Other concerns include recognition of higher academic and professional qualifications, standardization of working hours, compensation for public holidays, and alignment of employees within common cadres.
According to the notice, the union has made several attempts to engage hospital management and resolve the disputes amicably, but says the issues remain unresolved.
Panyako warned that the strike would continue until the hospital addressed the grievances, while branch officials were instructed to mobilise nurses and midwives ahead of the planned walkout.
The planned action follows an earlier strike threat involving KUTRRH nurses in September, which was averted before a full walkout could take place.
If the November strike proceeds as announced, patients seeking admission at the hospital could face disruptions, while existing services would continue under the arrangements outlined by the union.
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital Main entrance
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital Main entrance