Nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital have gone on strike, triggering widespread disruption at the country’s largest referral facility and raising renewed concerns about the stability of Kenya’s public healthcare system.
The industrial action follows prolonged grievances, with nurses withdrawing services over delayed salaries, challenges accessing pension benefits and what they describe as the growing casualisation of employment at the hospital. The situation has significantly disrupted operations, leaving patients stranded and essential services strained.
According to union representatives, the strike comes after months and in some cases years of unresolved complaints. Nurses say repeated appeals to hospital management and relevant authorities have not resulted in meaningful solutions.
At the center of the dispute is delayed remuneration, with some staff reportedly experiencing late salary payments over extended periods. Nurses also argue that an increasing number of employees have been placed on short term or casual contracts, limiting access to job security and full employment benefits.
Crisis deepens
They further cite difficulties in accessing pension contributions, saying the situation has left many uncertain about their financial future and long term security.
The strike has significantly affected service delivery at KNH, with major departments operating at minimal capacity. Wards, outpatient clinics and emergency units are among the most affected, as patients face delays or are turned away due to staff shortages.
Healthcare analysts warn that prolonged disruption at KNH, considered a critical pillar in Kenya’s healthcare system, could have wider implications across the country. Referral cases from county hospitals risk piling up, placing additional pressure on an already stretched system.
Families of patients have expressed concern, calling for urgent intervention to restore normal operations and ensure continuity of care.
Hospital management has yet to issue a comprehensive response outlining measures to resolve the dispute or mitigate ongoing disruptions. It also remains unclear whether contingency plans have been activated to cushion patients from the impact of the strike.
Attention has now shifted to possible negotiations involving KNH management, union representatives and government health officials. Labour experts say the outcome of these discussions will determine whether services resume soon or the industrial action escalates further.
