The industrial action by nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has been officially called off following what the Ministry of Health describes as “hours of intensive and constructive negotiations” between hospital management and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale confirmed that a return-to-work formula had been reached, bringing an end to the disruption at the country’s largest referral hospital.
The agreement is expected to see nurses resume duty immediately as both sides commit to the implementation of the negotiated terms.
“I am pleased to announce that the industrial action by nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital has been officially called off following hours of intensive and constructive negotiations between Hospital Management and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives,” Duale said.
He added that the resolution followed “willingness to come to the table, engage candidly, and expedite the process,” which he said enabled both parties to arrive at a settlement addressing key grievances raised by health workers.
According to the Ministry, the agreement covers several key areas of staff welfare, including improved medical cover, structured career progression through promotions, measures aimed at addressing workload challenges, and the progressive conversion of nurses employed on contract terms to permanent and pensionable employment.
“These are important steps toward strengthening staff welfare, motivation, and retention within our health system,” Duale noted.
The Cabinet Secretary further commended both the hospital management and union representatives for their role in reaching the deal, saying their engagement demonstrated “goodwill, professionalism, and a shared commitment to resolving the issues at hand.”
He also praised KNH management for what he termed openness and flexibility during the negotiations.
“I also wish to commend the Management of Kenyatta National Hospital for their openness, flexibility, and commitment to finding lasting solutions, while ensuring continuity of essential services during this period,” he said.
Duale urged nurses to resume duty without delay and reaffirmed the government’s expectation that healthcare delivery standards remain uncompromised.
“As we move forward, the focus must now shift firmly to delivering quality, timely, and compassionate healthcare services to all Kenyans,” he said, calling on medical staff to “uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patient care that KNH is known for.”
The Ministry of Health further indicated that mechanisms for monitoring and continuous engagement have been established to ensure full implementation of the agreed resolutions within stipulated timelines.
The aim, officials said, is to prevent a recurrence of industrial disruptions and promote a more stable working environment in the public health sector.
“The Ministry will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the agreed resolutions within the stipulated timelines,” Duale said, adding that structured dialogue mechanisms will be maintained going forward.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the health workforce and improving service delivery across all public health facilities, assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to stabilize operations and enhance efficiency in the sector.
The resolution of the strike is expected to restore normal operations at KNH, easing pressure on patients and healthcare services after days of disruption caused by the industrial action.
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