KNUNM-The Voice of a Kenyan Nurse

03/09/2025

Consultative Meeting between Acting CEO for Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) Ms. Anne N. Mukuna and Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) General Secretary Hon. Seth Kuka Panyako.

The purpose of the meeting was to foster collaboration, discuss pressing issues affecting nurses and midwives, and explore strategies to improve professional standards, working conditions, and workforce support.

During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of joint efforts in advocating for enhanced training opportunities, improved healthcare staffing, delivery and job opportunities for nurses and Midwives.

They also explored avenues for strengthening professional regulation, continuous development, and policy engagement to address the evolving needs of the nursing and midwifery sectors.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to establish ongoing dialogue and collaboration aimed at elevating the standards of nursing practice and ensuring the well-being of healthcare practitioners across Kenya.

29/08/2025

29:8:2025 : CANCELLATION OF UHC PROCESSION.

28/08/2025

28.08.2025 : Suspension of UHC Nurses' Strike

Citizen TV Kenya NTV Kenya KTN News Kenya TV 47 Kenya KBC Channel 1 TV K24 TV Kenyans.co.ke The Ministry of Health Aden Duale Council of Governors-Kenya

28/08/2025

The Union supports the Cabinet Secretary for The Ministry of Health Hon Aden Duale in his efforts to have the UHC Staff term of service converted into Permanent and Pensionable terms by September 2025. We urge the Council of Governors-Kenya to stop politicizing the exercise and instead join hands with us in our efforts to ensure that these Nurses secure permanent employment.

27/08/2025

27/08/2025

PRESS STATEMENT
DATE: 27TH AUGUST, 2025

KNUNM POSITION STATEMENT ON ABSORPTION OF UHC STAFF INTO PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE TERMS

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) strongly condemns the recent utterances by the Council of Governors (CoG), issued through a press release yesterday, which by design and intent seek to disrupt and undermine the gains made thus far in the ongoing process of converting UHC health workers’ contracts into permanent and pensionable terms.

Acknowledgement of Ministry Efforts:

1. KNUNM appreciates the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of the Cabinet Secretary, for initiating the conversion of UHC contracts into permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms.

2. KNUNM recognizes the role of the National Government and the National Assembly’s Health Committee for ring-fencing budgetary allocations to support this process.

Progress Made So Far:

1. Requisite Budgetary Allocation for conversion of UHC Staff to PnP has been done.

2. Verification of UHC staff has been undertaken jointly with the Council of Governors (CoG) to ensure a credible workforce.

3. Successful elimination of ghost workers and unqualified personnel.

4. The Ministry is ready to publish verification findings and proceed with conversion.

5. Clear commitment by the Ministry to issue conversion letters by 1st September 2025.

Risks of Delay:

1. Any delay by stakeholders risks reversal or reallocation of funds during the forthcoming supplementary budget cycle.; coming in the next one month (October).

2. Prolonged tussle could entrench unlawful, unconstitutional contracts in violation of Article 41 of the Constitution.

Concerns with the Council of Governors (CoG):
Persistent disregard for workers’ rights, demonstrated by:

1. The same COG through County Government have persistently been asking the Ministry to stop salaries for UHC nurses, these counties include:-

a. Tharaka Nithi County
b. Trans Nzoia County
c. Kiambu County
d. Kirinyaga Count

2. The same COG through County Government has been calling for unlawful disciplinary charges against UHC nurses for participating in constitutionally protected industrial action.

a. Meru County
b. Muranga County
c. Isiolo County
d. Baringo County
e. Kitui County
f. Embu County
g. Tanariver County

3. These are the same counties that disowned UHC nurses, which is on record through various conciliation reports by the Labour Officers where they formally disowned these nurses.

This obstruction threatens to derail the conversion process.

The Union therefore: -

1. Applauds the Ministry of Health for its proactive steps in finalizing the conversion framework;

2. Urges the Ministry to proceed swiftly with the transition process without further delay; and

3. Calls for immediate engagement with unions to finalize and sign a Return-to-Work Agreement, thereby safeguarding industrial harmony and protecting the rights of UHC staff.

4. KNUNM reaffirms commitment to constructive engagement.

5. KNUNM Stands firm in defending the rights of UHC staff to secure fair and dignified terms of service.

Signed by,

SETH PANYAKO,
GENERAL SECRETARY.
Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM)

27/08/2025

PRESS RELEASE ON CONVERSION OF UHC.

Date: 27th August 2025

NURSES UNION BACKS CS HON. Aden Duale ON ABSORPTION OF UHC NURSES BY SEPTEMBER 1ST AND CONDEMNS MISLEADING STATEMENT BY COG HEALTH COMMITTEE CHAIR HON MUTHOMI NJUKI.

The Ministry of Health

23/08/2025

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO DR. RICHARD LESIYAMPE

The Nurses and Midwives Union extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Richard Lesiyampe on his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Your leadership comes at a critical time for Kenya's healthcare sector, and we are confident that your vast experience, visionary leadership, and dedication to service will steer KNH towards even greater heights.

As the union representing the heartbeat of healthcare , our nurses and Midwives, we look forward to working closely with you to:-

1. Strengthen collaboration between management and frontline caregivers
2. Improve nurses and Midwives welfare and working conditions
3. Enhance quality, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare services
4. Foster innovation and efficiency within KNH among other achievables.

We believe that together, we can build a more robust and responsive healthcare system for all Kenyans.

Once again, congratulations, Dr. Lesiyampe! We wish you every success as you take on this new and exciting chapter of leadership. 🙌

21/08/2025

Machakos Branch suspends their strike to allow implementation of the return to work agreement reached between the parties today.

21/08/2025

Nurses Strike Update by the General Secretary Hon. Seth Kuka Panyako .

21/08/2025

Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary-General Seth Panyako addressing the media on persistent injustices and systemic failures affecting nurses and midwives in Kenya. Some counties have called off their strikes because their governors have addressed their issues.

Picture by Jenipher Wachie