Fresh concerns have emerged from healthcare workers following reports that some county governments are allegedly continuing to issue contract renewals to nurses despite a court order directing the absorption of eligible nurses into permanent and pensionable employment.

The concerns stem from a court ruling in a case involving the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), the Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors. According to the order, nurses employed by Public Service Boards whose contracts run until 2026 were to be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms, with the relevant government agencies required to put in place mechanisms to ensure full implementation of the directive.

However, affected nurses now claim that instead of complying with the court's decision, some county governments have reportedly begun issuing fresh contracts, effectively extending the uncertainty that has plagued many healthcare workers for years.

The development has sparked frustration among nurses who argue that the continued use of short-term contracts undermines job security, career progression, and access to employment benefits that would ordinarily come with permanent and pensionable terms.

Healthcare workers are now questioning why public institutions that are expected to uphold the rule of law would allegedly ignore a valid court order while continuing practices that the court sought to address.

"If the court has already spoken on the matter, why are counties still issuing new contracts instead of implementing the directive?" posed one concerned health worker.

The concerns have also reignited debate about the treatment of frontline healthcare workers who played a critical role in strengthening healthcare services across the country, particularly during periods of increased demand within the health sector.

Affected nurses are calling upon the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, and county governments to publicly clarify the status of the court order and explain why some counties are allegedly proceeding with contract renewals instead of transitioning eligible nurses to permanent and pensionable terms.

They further urge oversight institutions to monitor compliance with court decisions and ensure that public bodies respect judicial directives.

As questions continue to mount, healthcare workers maintain that the issue is not merely about employment contracts but also about respect for the rule of law, fair labour practices, and the dignity of nurses serving communities across the country.