Trans Nzoia Nurses Suspend Strike After Signing Agreement with County Government
Healthcare services in Trans Nzoia County are set to resume after a three-month nurses’ strike was suspended for 90 days following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the county government and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN). The agreement commits both parties to address all grievances raised by the nurses, including the reinstatement of union dues and the implementation of previous agreements reached in July 2024.
Deputy County Secretary George Kisaka assured the public that hospitals across the county would resume operations promptly, emphasizing collaboration between the county executive, the County Public Service Board, and the County Assembly to ensure full implementation within the 90-day period. Key provisions of the MOU include the immediate restoration of KNUN members’ dues, a clear implementation timeline for pending agreements by February 2025, and assurances that no nurse participating in the strike would face retaliation.
County Public Service Board Chairperson Peter Wamoto highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving the crisis, describing the agreement as a demonstration of mutual respect and effective teamwork. KNUN Secretary-General Edward Cheruiyot expressed optimism that the union’s good faith suspension would be met with full adherence to the MOU by the county government, allowing healthcare professionals and residents to move forward together.
County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Sara Lubano welcomed the resolution, stressing that the suspension would allow residents uninterrupted access to medical care. With healthcare services set to resume immediately, county officials urged residents to seek treatment at their nearest facilities while pledging a smooth return to normal operations. The county government expressed confidence that the agreement would lead to lasting improvements in the healthcare sector, benefiting both medical staff and the public.