Nairobi health workers call off strike after agreement with county gov't

Health workers in Nairobi have officially called off their strike after reaching an agreement with the Nairobi City County Government following a series of negotiations with their unions.

The talks brought together officials from the county administration and representatives of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (Nairobi Branch), the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners’ Union (KEHPHPU), and the Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dieticians (KUNAD).

In a statement, the Nairobi City County Department of Health, Wellness and Nutrition said the negotiations concluded successfully, paving the way for health workers to resume duty. County Executive Committee Member for Health Suzanne Silantoi confirmed that both sides had reached a mutual understanding on the issues raised.

The county described the discussions as constructive, noting that the agreement balances the concerns of health workers with the need to safeguard delivery of essential services to city residents.

County officials and union leaders have jointly urged health workers to return to their stations within 24 hours to facilitate the full restoration of services across public hospitals and health centres.

The strike had disrupted operations in several county-run facilities, with patients reporting delays and reduced services. Normal operations are now expected to resume.

The breakthrough follows a recent briefing by Ms Silantoi to the County Assembly Health Committee, where she outlined progress in addressing the grievances. She maintained that the county had acted in good faith and that most of the concerns were already being resolved.

According to the health department, more than eight key issues raised by the workers were addressed last week, with the remaining matters at advanced stages of resolution.

The county government reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with health workers and strengthening the public health system while ensuring uninterrupted access to care for Nairobi residents.