Busia: Health services in Murang'a County have been disrupted after nurses in the county joined the planned nationwide strike called by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) demanding the implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), delayed payment of long-standing arrears and for improved working conditions.

According to Kenya News Agency, KNUNM Murang'a Branch Secretary, Lucy Mburu, stated during a peaceful protest outside the county headquarters that the strike could have been avoided had negotiations on the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement been concluded and implemented. She urged the Council of Governors (COG), of which their governor is a member, to act swiftly in addressing their demands.

In addition to the implementation of the CBA, the nurses are also advocating for the application of career progression guidelines approved by the Public Service Commission. They argue that delays in these guidelines have hindered their promotions and professional growth. The nurses also highlighted the unpaid salary arrears dating back to the 2017 nationwide strike, emphasizing that while funds had reportedly been released to counties, Murang'a nurses have yet to receive their dues.

Murang'a branch treasurer, Rose Kigathi, criticized the continued engagement of nurses under internship programs, labeling it as an unfair labor practice. She stressed that nursing graduates, having completed extensive practical training, should be employed and compensated as qualified nurses rather than being subjected to internships.

Responding to the striking nurses, Murang'a County Secretary, Newton Mwangi, acknowledged the validity of their concerns and assured them of the county government's commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue. He mentioned that while some matters could be addressed immediately, others might require more time due to administrative and financial processes.

Mwangi emphasized the importance of dialogue and urged the nurses to collaborate with union leaders to find a lasting solution. Despite these assurances, the nurses have vowed to continue their strike until their concerns are adequately addressed.