NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 5 — The Ministry of Labour has appointed a conciliator to mediate a labour dispute between the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) and relevant government agencies in a move aimed at averting a planned nationwide strike.
In a letter signed by Chief Industrial Relations Officer Millicent Muli, the Ministry said the appointment followed a request by the union to invoke Section 70(1) of the Labour Relations Act, 2007, to facilitate conciliation.
The ministry appointed Raphael E. Tiktik of the Headquarters Labour Office to lead the conciliation process through consultative dialogue.
The dispute revolves around five key grievances raised by the union, including the delayed negotiation and conclusion of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The nurses’ union is also seeking an implementation matrix for the 2017 Return-to-Work Agreement, saying some commitments remain outstanding.
Other concerns include the failure to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses into permanent and pensionable terms despite Treasury budgetary allocations, delays in implementing Career Guidelines for Nursing Personnel, and the failure by the Kisii County Government to reinstate 46 nurses dismissed in 2021.
The Ministry has urged the union to suspend the planned industrial action, saying the dispute resolution process has already been initiated and consultations will begin immediately.
