Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives protest along the streets of Nairobi on August 25, 2026. [Collins Oduor, Standard]
Patients in Nakuru County continue to suffer from disrupted health services as the clinicians’ strike entered its 37th day, with health workers accusing the county government of delaying the signing of a return-to-work formula.
The Chairperson of the National Union of Clinical Officers, Peterson Wachira, expressed disappointment with Nakuru County, saying it has failed to take urgent action despite the continued suffering of patients.
“The county government appears unbothered at this critical time when its citizens are suffering,” Wachira said.
He accused the county government of failing to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to facilitate the clinicians’ return to work, despite a court order directing health workers to resume their duties.
The striking clinicians said the dispute is mainly centred on the county’s failure to sign a Collective Bargaining Agreement that addresses the welfare and working conditions of health workers, including interns.
As a result, patients seeking treatment in public health facilities have reportedly experienced reduced services, with concerns also being raised over inadequate medical equipment use that later exposes the health workers to legal consequences.