Health workers in Uasin Gishu County have vowed to continue with their strike. Now in its fourth week, the health workers insist that all outstanding grievances must be addressed first. This standoff has severely disrupted services at all public health facilities.
Kenya National Union of Nurses Uasin Gishu Branch Secretary Glen Kimutai said they demand implementation of the 2017 return-to-work formula, payment of salary arrears and promotion of qualified staff. The Union also wants an end to the use of medical students in public hospitals.
Kimutai said the heath workers will not resume duty until the agreements reached with the county government are implemented. He also accused the county administration of resorting to court action instead of engaging unions in negotiations. “We are not going back to work until our 2017 return-to-work formula is implemented,” said Kimutai.
The workers said they respect court decisions and will comply with lawful orders, but maintained that the county government should also honour court rulings issued in favour of health workers.
They claimed that five such orders have not been fully implemented. “We will continue respecting the courts, but court action should not be used as a substitute for resolving the underlying employment dispute. We are calling for direct negotiations between the unions and the county government to address the outstanding issues,” added Kimutai.
The workers further demanded payment of outstanding salary arrears awarded through the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), arguing that the money is owed to them.
They criticised the county for hiring students to fill the gap created by the strike, saying students lack the experience and professional qualifications needed to independently handle patients.
“It is sad that instead of paying us our money, they have employed students. Students lack experience and professional qualifications required to independently handle patients,” said Kimutai.
Health Workers fault the Uasin Gishu County Government for lack of promotions
Meanwhile, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Uasin Gishu Branch Secretary David Martin said clinical officers are also demanding implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement. They also want pending salary arrears cleared as well as promotion for those eligible.
Martin said the national CBA was signed on 28th January 2026 alongside a return-to-work formula. But Uasin Gishu County has delayed its implementation. Some of the affected health workers have remained in the same job group for close to 10years. This is despite meeting the requirements for promotion.
The unions maintain that promotions will boost workers’ morale, based on their experience , qualifications and merit.
“The workers want the county government to conduct promotions for employees who have met the required qualifications and ensure that health workers are not left in the same job groups indefinitely,” said Martin .
Workers acknowledged that the strike has affected patients. But they insist the industrial action is necessary. This follows years of unresolved grievances.
Additional Reporting By Cynthia Ochieng