The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has given Kenyatta National Hospital the go-ahead to improve allowances for its nurses, marking a major breakthrough as the nationwide nurses' strike entered its eighth day.
The approval follows consultations between the commission, the hospital and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), and paves the way for negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covering the 2025-29 period. While the decision gives KNH nurses a boost, it does not extend to county-employed nurses, who remain on strike over their own grievances.
In a letter dated August 4 to KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe, SRC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Abdullahi Surraw said the commission had reviewed the hospital's request after considering various factors that guide public sector remuneration.
“The commission during its 722nd meeting held on August 4, 2026, deliberated on your request taking into consideration remuneration determinants factors among them affordability, fiscal sustainability, comparability, government policies and guidelines,” Surraw wrote.
“Consequently, the commission advises Kenyatta National Hospital to negotiate with the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives the proposed Collective Bargaining Negotiation for the 2025-29 cycle within the following parameters.”
The commission approved a phased increase in the annual uniform allowance from Sh15,000 to Sh25,000. It also allowed the monthly nursing service allowance to increase from Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 during the period covered by the CBA, subject to the availability of funds.
The advisory further approved new leave allowance rates for nurses in different job grades. Under the revised structure, nurses in Grade 10 will receive Sh19,720, Grade 9 will get Sh21,240, Grade 8 will earn Sh21,900, Grade 7 will receive Sh29,060, while Grade 6 nurses will be paid Sh36,200. All other allowances and benefits will remain as previously advised by the commission.
SRC stressed that the revised allowances are exclusive to Kenyatta National Hospital and should not be applied to nurses serving under county governments.
Surraw said implementation of the new benefits will only happen after KNH and the union conclude negotiations and submit the signed agreement to the commission.
“The commission further advises that upon conclusion of the collective bargaining negotiations within the parameters provided herein... Kenyatta National Hospital is to forward a copy of the signed CBA for issuance of concurrence in writing to facilitate registration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement at the Employment and Labour Relations Court,” he said.
The commission's latest advisory came after a meeting held on August 3 involving SRC, KNH management and officials from the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives. The talks followed a request by the hospital for a review of an earlier advisory issued by the commission.
The approval represents one of the first gains achieved since nurses across the country downed their tools last week, demanding better pay, implementation of existing agreements and improved staffing in public health facilities.
The industrial action has continued to affect healthcare services in several county hospitals, leaving many patients seeking treatment at alternative facilities.
KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako welcomed the commission's decision, saying it was a positive step for nurses working at the national referral hospital.
At the same time, he urged county government nurses to remain united, saying discussions on their demands are still ongoing and the strike has not been called off.
“We are pleased to inform you that our ongoing nationwide industrial action has yielded significant legal and financial victories for our workforce. Notably, the National Assembly has officially approved the budget allocation for Universal Health Coverage nurses,” Panyako said in an update to members.
“Further, following intensive negotiations on Monday this week, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has approved the enhancement of essential allowances for our members at Kenyatta National Hospital.”
He maintained that although KNH nurses had secured an important victory, the union would continue pushing until the concerns raised by county-employed nurses are also addressed.