Clinicians end boycott after signing deal with W Pokot

“Our strike in West Pokot has ended following the signing of a return-to-work agreement after negotiations at the governor’s residence,” Gibore said.

The parties agreed on a framework to address issues raised in union’s strike notice issued on July 7.

The grievances include the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), improved risk allowances, clear career progression guidelines, and the appointment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers on permanent and pensionable terms.

Gibore called for unity, dialogue and a shared commitment towards achieving the universal health coverage with patients and healthcare workers welfare at the centre of the health system.

‎‎“UHC can only be achieved through unity between healthcare workers, unions and governments. When we come together, listen to one another and work towards common solutions, we can resolve challenges and build a stronger health system that serves our communities better,” Gibore said.

Governor  Simon Kachapin  has also initiated dialogue with other striking health workers in the county in a bid to end the boycott and restore services.

The strike by the health workers has now entered its second month with nurses and laboratory technicians insisting they will not resume duty until their demands are met.

Kachapin held a consultative meeting with representatives of the Kenya National Union of Nurses as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the nurses’ strike.

The meeting focused on the implementation of the CBA, which provides a framework for improving nurses’ terms and conditions of service, including remuneration, career progression and promotions, allowances and working conditions.

“We are here to talk on all issues and find a way to end this strike because our people who need medical services are suffering,” Kachapin said.

He said thee county had already undertaken the promotion of nurses in line with the agreed career progression framework.

The governor said the meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to review outstanding matters under the CBA and identify practical steps towards resolving the issues.

The meeting also discussed a proposed return-to-work formula, which is intended to provide a structured and mutually acceptable framework for nurses to resume duty as negotiations and implementation of agreed commitments continue.

The formula will take into account outstanding issues, implementation timelines, and the need to safeguard continuity of essential healthcare services.

Kachapin emphasised the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement in resolving the outstanding matters.

He also insisted on the need to balance the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers with the responsibility to ensure that residents continue to access essential services.

‎The county and KNUN representatives agreed to continue discussions on the remaining issues with the aim of reaching an agreement and restoring normal healthcare services across West Pokot.

Healthcare services have been disrupted across the North Rift as nurses, clinical officers and laboratory technicians sustain their boycott for the second month.

The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has recorded an increased number of patients as counties in the region including Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo struggle to provide services.

The unions representing the health workers have again  threatened to extend the industrial action to private hospitals if county governments do not resolve their grievances.

bishops and Muslim religious leaders have also called on the government to urgently intervene and end the strike, saying the dispute was putting patients’ lives at risk.

The religious leaders, led by Reverend Thomas Kiptoo and Abubakar Bini, urged the government and health workers to return to the negotiating table.

“Health is a very critical sector concerning lives and the government should have stopped everything to deal with this matter,” Bini said.

He said resources being spent on non-core operations should instead be directed towards resolving the grievances raised by the health workers.

The unions have cited unresolved issues including the delayed conclusion of the 2025-29 collective bargaining agreement, implementation of the 2017 return-to-work agreement and absorption of universal health coverage workers into permanent and pensionable terms.

Delayed promotions and failure to remit statutory deductions are also among the issues raised by the unions.

Kenya National Union of Nurses official Kevin Kimutai and Kenya Union of Clinical Officers official Xavious Wamalwa led the demonstrations in Eldoret, promising that the workers would not return to duty until their grievances were addressed.