Kenyan nurses and midwives took to the streets in Nairobi on Thursday, September 3, 2026, as their nationwide strike over pay, working conditions and employment agreements continued. The protesters marched towards the offices of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to demand action on their grievances.
The industrial action has now lasted 37 days, severely affecting public healthcare services across the country. Health professional associations have warned that the prolonged strike is putting patients at risk, particularly mothers and newborns.
Nurses demand implementation of 2017 agreement
The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) says the dispute centres on the implementation of a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The union wants the SRC to issue a letter of no objection, which would allow the agreement to proceed towards registration at the Employment and Labour Relations Court. Negotiations between the union and the Council of Governors have remained deadlocked.
During Thursday’s demonstration, nurses carried placards with messages including “No CBA, No Work” and “A Strong Nurse, A Healthy Nation.”
Health sector warns of rising deaths
Health organisations are increasingly concerned about the effect of the strike on patients.
The National Nurses Association of Kenya reported that between Monday and Wednesday this week, eight maternal deaths, 16 neonatal deaths and 55 perinatal deaths were recorded nationally. It also reported significant numbers of maternal and perinatal deaths during August.
The Kenya Medical Association has called for urgent dialogue between the government and health workers, warning that continued disruption of public healthcare services could put more lives at risk.
Strike continues despite protests
Nurses have maintained that they will continue their industrial action until their demands are addressed. Thursday’s demonstrations were intended to increase pressure on government institutions responsible for salaries and employment negotiations.
The ongoing dispute has become a major challenge for Kenya’s public healthcare system, with health professionals urging all parties to return to negotiations and reach an agreement that will allow nurses to resume normal duties.
