Trans Nzoia nurses resume duty after six-week strike
After six weeks of silent hospital corridors and desperate patients, nurses in Trans Nzoia have returned to work, even as the county battles a deepening financial crisis that threatens the very gains they have fought for.
Healthcare services have resumed in the county after nurses called off their 42-day strike to give room for structured negotiations with the county government.
The nurses had downed their tools on August 8, bringing operations to a standstill in more than 90 healthcare facilities across the county.
A return-to-work agreement was signed between top county officials, led by County Secretary Ms Truphosa Amere, and officials from the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), led by Branch Chairman Cyprian Nyakundi and Secretary Edward Cheruiyot.
The agreement sets clear timelines for implementing the demands raised by the union.
A major sticking point in the dispute was the delayed recruitment of 134 nurses whose appointment letters had been suspended due to a court order from the Employment and Labour Court.
“Additionally, the County Government should explore an avenue to resolve the matter in court as soon as possible to allow the appointment of the 134 nurses earlier recruited by the County Public Service Board (CPSB),” said Mr Cheruiyot.
The union has also demanded the recruitment of 50 additional nurses by January next year to replace those who have exited service, a gap that has strained the existing workforce.
“First phase of replacement will cover the entire number that will have exited service between June 2025 and May 2026. Thereafter, replacement will be on a quarterly basis,” said Mr Cheruiyot.
He estimated that the replacement figure could be between 60 and 80 nurses in that period, in addition to the 50 new nurses expected by January 2026.
The return-to-work deal followed extensive negotiations between the union and Governor George Natembeya’s administration, brokered by County Labour Officer Mr Toffick Nalianya.
Mr Cheruiyot said the agreement also includes full payment of remuneration arrears, including uniform and risk allowances, to be paid in three phases of Sh5,000 per year, amounting to a Sh15,000 increment by the 2027/2028 financial year.
The nurses accepted an offer of Sh10,000 as Nursing Services Allowance to be paid over three years. They also received a Sh1,150 top-ups to their risk allowance.
According to the agreement seen by Daily Nation, the county government will also establish a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiation committee to spearhead talks for the 2025–2029 CBA.
Further, the administration pledged to remit all third-party deductions by the 9th of every month and assured that no disciplinary action would be taken against any of the more than 400 nurses who participated in the strike.
But while the agreement marks progress, it comes amid mounting fiscal challenges for the county.
As of Monday, Trans Nzoia County workers had not received salaries for two consecutive months.
A senior county official revealed that the administration is struggling to comply with the Controller of Budget guidelines to ensure the timely disbursement of funds.
He said that approvals under the new financial system had been delayed, severely affecting operations.
“So far, we have only received one exchequer for July from the National Treasury, and this has affected our operations,” the official added.
The county government employs approximately 3,700 workers all of whom remain unpaid for the months of August and September.
The nurses’ strike was driven in part by the union’s call for full implementation of long-standing recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). These include raising the risk allowance from Sh3,850 to Sh5,000, gradually increasing the uniform allowance from Sh10,000 to Sh25,000 over the next three years, and increasing the Nursing Service Allowance from Sh20,000 to Sh30,000.
In addition, the healthcare workers demanded enforcement of several pending circulars aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring fair treatment.
Compounding tensions was the county government’s alleged failure to remit statutory and non-statutory deductions on time, a lapse that has attracted financial penalties and severely eroded trust between the union and the employer.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.