Kenya: Nurses continue to strike as of July 12

Event

Nurses from the National Nurses Union announced the continuation of an indefinite strike on Wednesday, July 12, after a collective bargaining agreement was rejected by a state commission. According to media reports, approximately 45,000 nurses have been participating in the strike since June 6 to demand an increase in their salaries, which was reportedly promised by the government over a year ago. The strike is particularly affecting pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers as maternity wards are not currently staffed. Many patients have been transferred from public to private hospitals.

Context

On December 5, public sector doctors launched an indefinite strike over increased wages and larger staffs that ended after 100 days on March 14.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to anticipate severely reduced services and long waiting times at hospitals until nurses fully return to work.