A strike that had crippled operations at Kenyatta National Hospital has officially been called off after nurses and management reached a new agreement aimed at resolving a series of long-standing employment disputes.
The breakthrough followed hours of talks involving the hospital board, the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, and mediation by the Ministry of Health, after nurses downed their tools on April 13 citing unresolved welfare issues.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Tuesday evening confirmed the resolution, noting that the discussions produced a structured return-to-work plan focused on staffing, pay and working conditions.
“We have agreed on a return-to-work formula that addresses key concerns, including medical cover, promotions and workload,” Duale said.
Central to the agreement is the implementation of a delayed 2025 CBA addendum, which will now be integrated into the 2025–2029 framework, allowing adjustments in pay and benefits for nurses.
“Management confirmed that the CBA addendum dated September 8, 2025, shall be included in the 2025–2029 CBA,” the agreement states.
The settlement provides for revised allowances, including Sh25,000 for uniforms and Sh30,000 for nursing service, while leave allowance will be calculated at one-third of basic salary, capped at Sh50,000. The health risk allowance remains unchanged at Sh5,000.
Promotions for eligible nurses will be implemented progressively from May 1, 2026.
To address staffing shortages and workload pressure, KNH will hire 100 nurses subject to funding approval and 100 healthcare assistants, while continuing to engage locum staff.
“KNH shall continue to recruit locum nurses to reduce workload and ensure continuity of care,” the agreement states.
Financial issues involving delayed statutory deductions will also be resolved, with March remittances set for clearance by April 23 and future payments standardized to the 15th of every month.
“A meeting will be convened by May 15, 2026, with financial institutions to address penalties charged,” the agreement states.
The deal further includes a transition plan for contract nurses to permanent and pensionable employment starting July 1, 2026.
“Conversion to permanent and pensionable arrangements will take effect from July 1, 2026,” the agreement notes.
It also protects striking nurses from disciplinary action.
“No nurse who stayed out of duty in compliance with the strike notice shall be victimised or intimidated,” the parties agreed.
Nurses are expected to resume duty at 7:30 am on April 15, allowing full hospital services to gradually resume.
“By execution of this return-to-work formula, the strike which commenced on April 13, 2026, is hereby called off,” the agreement states.
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