5 issues agreed on as Bungoma nurses suspend three-week strike

By Peter Ochieng

Great relief for patients in Bungoma County.

On Tuesday, the leadership of Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Bungoma branch suspended its three-week strike to give a leeway for further negotiations with the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of health and sanitation.

The Bungoma branch officials, led by Secretary General David Wamalwa, announced the suspension of the strike, after the county government agreed to implement key concerns raised in their strike notice.

Carolyne Makali, the CECM for health and sanitation engaged the union officials, before eventually striking a deal.

She announced a resumption of medical services, urging members of the public to visit health facilities.

"We urge members of the public to continue seeking medical care at health facilities, as services have now resumed. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and commit to addressing the raised concerns to prevent future disruptions," she said.

Issues agreed upon:

1. Promotions, re-designation and confirmation

Union officials were informed that processes are at various stages of implementation.

2. Comprehensive health insurance cover

Britam Insurance has resumed services for healthcare workers.

3. Allowances

During the meeting, it was agreed that uniform and other allowances will be paid in line with applicable circulars.

4. Non-victimization

KNUN Bungoma branch leaders suspended the strike under the condition that no staff member who participated in the strike will face disciplinary action.

5. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

It was agreed that ADR mechanisms be employed to address emerging issues amicably. The union directed its members to resume work within 24 hours.

Nurses in Bungoma county began their strike on January 14, 2025, after a 21-day strike notice elapsed.

While announcing commencement of the strike, KNUN Bungoma branch Secretary General David Wamalwa accused health officials for failure to promote nurses as promised, and failure to re-designate specialized nurses while utilizing their expertise among other grievances.

“They have also failed to implement the national registered CBA for seconded nurses and also failed to implement a 17-tier grading structure,” said Wamalwa.

“We have been complaining again and again over these issues since 2022 but the county government has taken none of them into consideration. Our nurses are struggling with the work with no motivation, no morale to work because some have stayed in a single position for over eight years, others working without any salary for the last six months,” he added.

The strike suspension came hours after Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka urged the nurses to end their industrial action, for the sake of patients who were facing difficult moments.