No deal reached as KNH nurses, management remain divided

Negotiations to end the nurses’ strike at Kenyatta National Hospital failed again on Monday, extending disruption of services at the country’s main referral hospital as both sides maintained their positions.

The industrial action, which began in the morning, paralysed operations in several departments, leaving patients stranded and delaying treatment across the facility.

Nurses are protesting over delayed statutory deductions, pension concerns, inadequate medical insurance cover, and heavy workload linked to staffing shortages.

Acting chief executive officer Richard Lesiyampe on Monday held talks with the striking nurses at the hospital’s administration block in a bid to resolve the standoff, outlining steps management says are already in motion.However, the meeting ended without agreement, though both sides agreed to continue engagement.

Lesiyampe acknowledged gaps in staff medical cover and said the hospital had already moved to introduce a comprehensive scheme through formal processes.

“I went to the board of directors and requested that all KNH staff be given a medical cover that will protect them and their families countrywide,” he said.

He added that the board approved the plan and directed that it be included in the budget and procurement process for the next financial year.

“The board approved it and said it should be put in the budget and procurement. That will be effective from July 1. Advertisements for procurement of services will be done this week,” he said.

He stressed that the rollout must follow proper procedures.

“We have to agree that you do not have this cover. It is now that we are putting it in place, and we are going to do it through the right procedures,” Lesiyampe said.

He urged the nurses to allow time for implementation, saying some of the challenges had accumulated over several years.

“I came here and found many issues. I have only been here for six months and I cannot resolve all of them at once,” he said.

Despite the assurances, nurses insisted their grievances require immediate action.

Officials from the KNH Nurses Union said frustrations have been building over time, especially regarding deductions and working conditions.

Union secretary Linus Khasenye said even the existing medical cover is not working effectively when nurses seek treatment.

“We have a medical cover, but when a nurse is sick and goes to seek medical check-up, medicine is missing or we are given basic drugs. We end up paying cash,” he said.

The nurses also raised concern over non-remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, saying delays have affected their financial obligations, including loan repayments.

Staff shortages were also cited, with nurses saying the workforce is overstretched.

“We have been overwhelmed by work. Currently we are about 2,300 yet we are supposed to be around 2,800,” Khasenye said.

They further noted that increased patient referrals from neighbouring counties have worsened congestion at the facility.

“At times, cases like simple fever come here, leaving those with serious illnesses waiting for long,” he said.

Hospital management earlier stated that salaries had been paid up to March 2026 and blamed delays in remittances on broader challenges in the health financing system.

Despite the failed talks, both sides signalled willingness to continue negotiations as pressure mounts to restore normal services at the hospital.