Nurses Move to Court to Challenge KUNM Constitution, Elections Suspended
The nurses have taken action to reclaim control over their union while they will select leaders who will protect their interests according to him.
John Bii, a nurse from Uasin Gishu County and a former national chairman of the union. Photo by Melwin Kiprop
By Brenda Muriithi
Nurses from different counties have brought a lawsuit against the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KUNM) constitution because they claim the union leads to discriminatory practices and operates through dysfunctional governance together with unaccountable behavior from its leadership.
Call to Safeguard Democracy
Simon Kibii who introduced himself as a KNUM member used the press conference to announce that legal action would serve to defend democratic rights within the union.
“The decision was difficult to make because our aim focused on preserving democratic rights together with fair treatment and transparent practices which should guide our union leadership to fulfill member needs instead of personal ambitions,” Kibii said.
The existing constitution lets General Secretary office holders control too much power which undermines organizational power balance and restricts participation rights according to him. He stated that the organization had established excessive requirements which prevented all eligible candidates from running for senior positions.
“Union constitutions must create environments where all members participate in elections while holding leaders accountable for their actions,” he explained.
Court Suspends Elections
The court has suspended multiple constitutional clauses while the group claims all upcoming elections which were planned for February 6 2026 will be stopped until the case reaches its final resolution.
Leadership Accused of Failing Members
The current union leadership has been accused by John Bii a nurse from Uasin Gishu County and former national chairman of the union of running the union inefficiently while failing to enhance member benefits.
“The nurses’ union has deteriorated beyond recovery after thirteen years of operation. Our organization has lost multiple Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA cycles together with nurses experiencing low pay and poor working conditions,” John Bii said.
He claimed that the leadership had neglected proper execution of return-to-work agreements which they signed after previous strikes. He alleged this showed the leadership treated nurses’ concerns as unimportant.
“Nurses have woken up. They are ready to take back their union and put in place leadership that has their interests at heart,” he said.
Allegations of Misuse of Resources
John Bii accused the union of resource misuse together with union leaders taking control of union affairs according to him this issue had reached court in previous cases and had been reported to appropriate authorities.
“Union money must only be used to assist members. No official should use nurses’ resources for personal gain,” he stated.
Reform Agenda
The group emphasized their reform initiative does not stem from political motivations because nurses belong to different political backgrounds yet share common professional issues.
“The battle for reforms we fight will enable a powerful union to defend nurse welfare because we stay away from political activity as nurses,” John Bii said.
The members urged nurses throughout the nation to support the reform movement. They announced their plans to join upcoming elections after the legal proceedings conclude. The group expressed confidence that the ongoing court case will lead to establishment of a union which operates in an open manner while upholding democratic principles.
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