End nurses’ strike to boost health services

A strike by nurses that has paralysed services in the public hospitals and health centres for over 40 days in most of the 47 counties is persisting. Though health is a devolved function, it is an essential service that should not be left entirely to the counties to deal with.

The prolonged nationwide crisis has crippled health services across most of the country, causing a severe escalation in maternal and newborn deaths.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and the Council of Government remain deadlocked over the full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), salary and allowance adjustments, and pending arrears.

The national government has an overall obligation to ensure that all citizens access quality and affordable healthcare, which is a constitutional right. The counties have told the striking nurses that they cannot meet their financial demands, which amount to an "impossible Sh6 billion annually".

Health sector crisis

However, in sharp contrast, the government quickly negotiated an agreement, ending an airport workers’ strike within two days. No wonder it is now being accused of ignoring the health sector. Some laboratory workers, clinical officers and universal health coverage staff have also been on strike.

Bearing the brunt of the health sector crisis are mothers and their babies. Recent reports show that a number of expectant mothers and babies have died as a result of health workers keeping off work. There are also unreported maternal deaths, especially in the north-eastern counties, where burials are held immediately.

Ten counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Bungoma, Kakamega and Garissa, are reported to have the highest number of maternal, neonatal and perinatal deaths each, ranging from 188 to 443.

The national government needs to do more in working with the counties to help resolve the crisis. Last month alone, many maternal deaths and perinatal fatalities were reported. At least eight mothers died this week in several counties.