Migori County Nurses Call Off Industrial Action After Successful Negotiations

Migori: Migori County nurses have called off their industrial action following fruitful engagement between the county government and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN). The strike was jointly called off 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. Opondi assured the public that services in all public hospitals will resume immediately. According to Kenya News Agency, the nurses' strike, which started on August 8, has been resolved after timelines were placed on working on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, signed in 2017. Opondi mentioned that in the call for promotions, nurses had already begun collecting their letters. The official stated that the county has been addressing promotions every three years to comply with Public Service regulations. He acknowledged that upon assuming office in 2022, there were pending promotion cases spanning nine years, which have now been resolved. Ezekiel Mbira highlighted that the agreement will benefit Migori nurses and enhance morale, particularly concerning allowances like uniforms. He commended the county government's efforts in the negotiation process and its recognition of the need for nurses' welfare. He emphasized that the county government must now ensure the implementation of the agreed steps and timeframes to prevent future strikes. Mbira also noted that promotions for nurses who had stagnated in the same job groups have been streamlined. He expressed hope that addressing the nurse shortage will lead to improved services for Migori residents.