The agreement ends a nationwide healthcare disruption triggered by disputes over a 2017 collective bargaining deal, while doctors warn of possible industrial action over pressure on the health system.

A 43-day strike by nurses in Kenya has ended after the government and the nurses' union reached a return-to-work agreement.

Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary-General Seth Panyako said union members would resume their duties at hospitals within 24 hours under the agreement.

The government and the union agreed on a 45-day period to complete negotiations on the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2017 but delayed due to budget constraints.

The strike, which began on July 29, was launched after nurses demanded the implementation of the 2017 agreement, which was signed following a six-month industrial action but was not fully implemented.

Dispute over delayed agreement

The latest agreement came after nurses held protests over unresolved issues related to their employment terms, career progression and commitments made under the previous collective bargaining deal.

The development followed a march by nurses to the offices of the Council of Governors, which represents Kenya's 47 county governments, as they pressed authorities to address their concerns.

The return-to-work deal is expected to restore normal operations in hospitals after weeks of disruption that affected healthcare services across the country.

Doctors warn of possible strike

Kenya's doctors have warned that they could join the industrial action over increasing workloads caused by the nurses' strike.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Davji Bhimji Atellah said healthcare workers were under heavy pressure because doctors had been forced to take on some nursing responsibilities.

"We cannot perform nursing duties," Atellah said, stressing that the healthcare system depends on cooperation between different medical professionals.

He also pointed to existing shortages of doctors in hospitals, warning that disruption in one part of the health sector affects the entire system and patients.

The doctors' union reportedly gave the government seven days to resolve the issues raised by nurses, warning that it could announce strike action if no solution is reached.

Senate discusses healthcare crisis

Meanwhile, Kenya's Senate discussed reports of some hospital dispensaries being closed in certain areas amid the disruption.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei accused the Council of Governors and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission of contributing to the crisis, claiming that disruptions in healthcare services had led to an increase in deaths.

Labor disputes in Kenya's healthcare sector have remained a recurring issue due to staff shortages, salary concerns and delays in implementing previously signed collective bargaining agreements.(ILKHA)