Council of Governors to Sue Nurses Over Nationwide Strike

Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Council of Governors has threatened to go to court to oppose the planned looming nationwide nurses’ strike.

The Chairperson of the Health Committee in the Council, who is also the Governor of Mombasa County Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir has condemned the nurses’ decision to reject dialogue and proceed with the strike, a move he says is aimed at sabotaging medical services in the country.

Governor Nassir said Mombasa County currently has 1,013 nurses and has ordered the recruitment of 573 new nurses.

He also warned those planning to go on strike not to interfere with medical services in all Mombasa hospitals.

“We Can Resolve This Through Dialogue, Not Strike,”Nassir said as he adds the demands can be solved through talks.

“We are asking for the removal of requirements for the formal employment of nurses currently under UHC contracts, the reinstatement of nurses sacked in Kisii County, the addition of allowances, and the issue of furthering studies. These are matters that can be resolved through dialogue, not through a strike,” Nassir said.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) issued a 7-day strike notice on July 21.

The union says nurses downed tools from July 29, 2026 over 5 grievances including delayed CBA negotiations, unpaid UHC staff, and failure to implement career guidelines.

If the strike goes ahead, thousands of patients in public hospitals across the 47 counties risk being turned away. Maternity wards, emergency units and outpatient clinics are likely to be the hardest hit.

Nassir urged the union to return to the negotiating table, saying the CoG is ready to work with the Ministry of Health to address the issues without paralyzing services.

“We cannot allow wananchi to suffer because of a dispute that can be solved around a table,” he added.