Migori County nurses have called off industrial action following fruitful engagement between the county government and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN).
The strike was called off jointly by Caleb Opondi, the Migori County Executive Member of Health; Martin Okello, the Chair of Health in the Migori County Assembly; and Ezekiel Mbira, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses.
“We want to assure the public that we had a fruitful meeting and services in all public hospitals will resume immediately,” Opondi said.
The nurses’ strike, which started on August 8, has been called off after timelines were placed on working on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was signed in 2017
Opondi said that in the call for promotions, nurses had already started collecting their letters.
The Official disclosed that the county has been affecting promotions after every three years to ensure they conform to the regulations of the Public Service.
“When we came into the office in 2022, we found some cases of pending promotions spanning nine years, but we are glad we have promoted them”, said Opondi
Mbira said the agreement will favour Migori nurses and bring morale back to nurses, especially on allowances like uniforms.
Mbira applaud the county government’s efforts in the smooth negotiation process and recognising the need for nurses’ welfare.
He explained that now that the agreement has been made, it was the work of the county government to ensure the steps taken and timeframes made are implemented to avoid future unnecessary strikes.
“Nurses who have stagnated in the same job groups have their promotion smoothed and we know we are hoping we will address the shortage of nurses to ensure we get quality services to residents of Migori,” Mbira added.
By Makokha Khaoya
