Put an end to nurses’ strikes

An agreement has finally been reached, ending the nurses’ strike that had paralysed services in public hospitals and health centres countrywide for 43 days.

The resumption of medical services should largely ease the pain and agony of patients and their families. It is, however, regrettable that the standoff has caused deaths that could have been prevented had the nurses been at work.

As health is a devolved function, the nurses’ union and the county governments’ representatives have signed a return-to-work agreement for the restoration of all the services, especially in the critical hospital units. This has also averted a strike that the doctors had called in solidarity with the nurses.

The accord, whose implementation will cost Sh1.8 billion, comes as a major relief to millions of patients. It is a relief for medical workers, as it covers salaries and allowances, job security, and career progression.

The counties will also absorb the universal health coverage (UHC) staff on permanent and pensionable terms, which has been one of the long-running disputes. The agreement addresses core issues, including health risk and uniform allowances, as well as arrears for the nurses.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives and the county governments have 45 days to conclude negotiations on their comprehensive collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Going forward, employers should strive to resolve workers’ grievances through dialogue. The counties, citing financial challenges, have lamented the Sh6 billion required to fully implement the 2017 CBA.

The prolonged strike had placed an immense burden on patients, their families, and the entire healthcare infrastructure. Its resolution should mark a crucial turning point in the delivery of medical services countrywide.

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