Nurses advised to ignore strike call

The Government has appealed to nurses to ignore calls to strike on Monday.

Medical Services minister Prof Anyang Nyong’o made the appeal even as he described the strike call by the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) as “ill-advised and in contravention of the Labour Relations Act”.

However, in a swift rejoinder NNAK chairman Jeremiah Maina said nurses would not “backtrack” on their decision. (Read: Lecturers, nurses issue strike notices)

“I know Prof Nyong’o as a reasonable man but we want the registration certificate of our union from the Labour ministry before we talk or call off the strike,” Mr Maina said.

Prof Nyong’o said his ministry was unable to fulfil the demand to register the union, saying this was the responsibility of the Labour ministry.

“Although the Labour ministry has rejected the union’s application, the nurses can appeal to the minister or seek redress in court,” he said.

The Labour ministry said the application for registration of the Kenya National Union of Nurses was opposed by the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha).

The nurses are also demanding hiring of nurses on contract, replacement of those who left through natural attrition, retirement and resignation and employment of all qualifying nurses.

They want a commitment to improve medical equipment and supplies at public health facilities and the promotion of deserving nurses, appointment of a Director of Nursing Services and various allowances.

The UKCS, however, warned the nurses, saying they could lose their jobs.

“We assure the public that no strike will take place,” said Mr Alfred Obuya of Kudheiha.