Siaya Nurses End Strike After County Deal
KNUN Siaya branch secretary Hamisi Kennedy said the move came after consultation between the employer and the union’s national office.
KNUN Siaya branch secretary Hamisi Kennedy said the move came after consultation between the employer and the union's national office. Photo/ KBC Digital
BY Juliet Jerotich
Siaya public health services will return to normal after nurses opted to cancel their strike. This follows an agreement between the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the county government.
The deal was signed by the union leaders and top county officials led by County Secretary Joseph Ogutu. The nurses will suspend their industrial action for 30 days through the agreement. The action will give the county an opportunity to address their complaints.
Speaking to the press at the headquarters of the county, Ogutu confirmed that there had been an agreement between the two sides.
We have signed an agreement with the union leaders that sets the stage for nurses to report to work immediately,” Ogutu said. He was joined by County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr. Martin K’onyango and Chief Officer for Governance Walter Okello.
KNUN Siaya branch secretary Hamisi Kennedy said the move came after consultation between the employer and the union’s national office. He urged all the nurses in the county to resume work immediately.
Branch chairman Dennis Omollo also said the deal was made in good faith. He expected that the county government would tackle all issues at stake.
The strike started last Friday. Nurses struck, grounding the health services in the county. They held a demonstration in Siaya town and marched to the office of the governor asking for a meeting with senior county leaders.
Some of the nurses’ demands include timely promotions, improved staffing numbers, and payment of statutory deductions within time. They further demand that the county hire contract nurses who have been under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme for more than five years.
The other essential thing is to implement a collective bargaining agreement signed with KNUN. The agreement provides for improved allowances for nursing and uniform allowances.
The suspension of the strike is a relief to thousands of Siaya residents who rely on public healthcare facilities. Union officials, however, stated that they will restart the strike if the county government fails to respond within the 30-day deadline.
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