Kenya's president has warned that nurses who fail to return to work by February 15, 2019, will face disciplinary action following prolonged disruptions in public health services.
President Uhuru Kenyatta made the statement during discussions with governors at the State Lodge Sagana, emphasizing the need to resolve recurring healthcare strikes that threaten sector progress. The remarks came as part of the 7th National and County Government Co-coordinating Summit in Nyeri County.
While acknowledging six years of devolution achievements, the president called for continued collaboration between national and county governments to address ongoing challenges in the public health sector. Deputy President William Ruto echoed these sentiments, noting that healthcare devolution had achieved significant milestones despite existing obstacles.
The summit resolved to implement disciplinary measures against nurses absent from duty by the specified date. Additional decisions included continuing the court-mandated conciliation process, filling nursing vacancies through contractual recruitment, and ensuring industrial relations compliance with legal frameworks.
Participants also agreed to develop contingency plans if the 60-day conciliation period expires without substantial progress, aiming to maintain healthcare service continuity.
