By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Kenya Union of Nurses and Widwives has signed a return-to-work formula with the ministry of health, signaling a new beginning in their dealings.
Speaking at the signing ceremony officiated by public health and professional standards PS Mary Muthoni and her counterpart in medical services Harry Kimtai said the government would remain committed to upholding their end of the deal in terms of implementing the CBA.
The authorities stated that the government would continue to honor its commitment to the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“We shall endeavour to deliver on our part as government. Our request is to the union to urge their members to continue dedicating themselves to service,” PS Kimtai said.
According to the Kenya Union of Nurses and midwives Secretary General Seth Panyako, some of the quick wins for nurses include risk allowance, uniform allowance, and nurses’ service allowance.
“In this CBA we have gotten our risk allowance, our uniform allowance enhanced by Ksh.5000, we expect it to go up to Ksh.25, 000 in subsequent CBAs,” Panyako said.
“Also the nursing service allowance to go up to Ksh.30, 000 in subsequent CBAs,” he added.
The Union Secretary General highlighted that the nurses have been patient waiting for the CBA for many years and said that the agreement has always been changed.
“The nurses have waited for this CBA for more than 10 years. We have agreed more than four times and it is changed. At long last we have a CBA that will serve as a foundation for future engagement,” he stated.
According to the Kenya Union of Nurses this CBA is the first of its kind that is going to serve them even in the future engagements.
The strike of the nurses kicked off in May 2024.