Panyako issues strike notice for nurses, demands absorption of UHC staff
The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Chairperson Seth Panyako, has hinted at an imminent nationwide strike, warning that nurses across the country may down their tools if the government fails to address longstanding grievances, including the failure to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent and pensionable terms.
Nurses’ grievances
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Panyako expressed frustration with the government, accusing it of sidelining the nursing profession despite nurses playing a critical role in the health sector.
He noted that since the Kenya Kwanza administration came to power, nurses have shown goodwill by avoiding industrial action, hoping the state would address their concerns — a hope that he now says has turned into a mockery.
“We have been patient for too long. Since this administration came into office, we have not gone on strike. We thought our issues would be addressed, but instead, we have been taken for granted,” Panyako said.
The union chair further urged President William Ruto to take decisive action and reallocate funds from the State House budget to address the nurses’ grievances.
He claimed that only ksh3.5 billion is needed to resolve the matter and ensure UHC staff are absorbed on permanent terms.
“If the President truly cares about this country, let him cut Ksh3.5 billion from the State House budget and use it to absorb the UHC staff. That’s all we are asking. Let these nurses be given permanent and pensionable terms like all other government workers,” he stated.
Panyako also decried the failure to implement the 2017 CBA, saying nurses have continued to work under difficult conditions with no clear commitment from the government to improve their welfare.
The strike
He expressed confidence that the National Governing Council (NGC) of KNUN will soon authorise him to issue an official strike notice, potentially paralysing health services across the country.
“I am optimistic that the National Governing Council will authorise me to announce a nationwide strike. Enough is enough. Our goodwill has been mistaken for weakness,” he said.
If the strike proceeds, it will be the first major industrial action by nurses under the current administration, signalling escalating tensions between the union and the government over unfulfilled promises and deteriorating working conditions.
Seth Panyako was serving as the UDA’s chairman before being ousted after a fallout with the party over its agenda
