Nurses Issue Fresh Nationwide Strike Update, Reveal Next Course of Action 

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) has announced fresh developments in the ongoing nationwide nurses’ strike, saying August 6 will be a crucial day in determining the future of negotiations.

In a statement shared on Monday, August 3, the union updated members on the progress of talks with the government and urged all nurses and midwives to remain united as the strike continues.

The union said it will not hold separate negotiations with individual county governments.

According to KNUNM, the leadership had already made its position clear during a press conference held on Saturday, August 1 evening.

The union said its leaders were meeting the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the management of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Monday, August 3, with the aim of resolving both the county and national Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

“We held a firm press conference on Saturday evening and stated categorically that there will be no piecemeal negotiations at the county level.”

The union added, “Our goal is clear, we intend to settle both the County and National Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) once and for all.”

Nurses Declare August 6 March Deciding Day

KNUNM described the planned march to the Council of Governors (CoG) offices on Thursday, August 6, as the most important moment of the strike.

The union said negotiations on the county CBA have already been completed.

According to the statement, the negotiating committee adopted the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) dated November 2, 2017, together with a Ksh 10,000 risk allowance.

The union explained that the Full Council of Governors will meet on August 6 to either approve or reject the proposed framework.

“We must show our numbers and demand our rights! Let us all focus on the August 6th march!”

KNUNM urged every nurse and midwife to attend the meeting at the CoG offices while dressed in official uniforms.

Also Read: Kenya Makes Ksh6.5 Million Health Insurance Cover Mandatory for All Foreign Visitors

Update on UHC Staff

The union also shared progress on the employment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers.

According to KNUNM, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale pledged that if counties fail to absorb UHC staff, the Ministry of Health will deploy them directly to national referral hospitals.

The union said the Cabinet Secretary is currently engaging individual counties to resolve the matter.

It also said the CS reached an agreement with the SRC Chairperson to ensure employees in all state corporations receive equal terms and conditions of service.

“No member will be left behind.”

Also Read: Govt Under Pressure as Kenya Nurses Set July 29 Nationwide Strike

5,000 Permanent Jobs Announced

The union further announced that 5,000 nurses will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms after the supplementary budget is approved.

KNUNM described the planned recruitment as a major win for nurses seeking stable employment.

“Following the upcoming supplementary budget, 5,000 nurses will be employed on Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms. This is a massive victory for job security!”

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Photo of Health CS Aden Duale during a meeting with a delegation from PATH Kenya for an engagement on strengthening collaboration in support of health priorities and accelerating the delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on July 23, 2026. PHOTO/ Duale X.