Migori Locals in Agony as Nurses' Strike Enters Second Week: “I Can’t Be Helped”

• Services across various health facilities in Migori county have been disrupted as nurses continue with their strike
• Some of the locals who spoke to TUKO.co.ke narrated how the strike has affected them and called on the county to address the nurses’ issues
• The strike enters its second week as the nurses demand, among other things, full implementation of the 2017 CBA

Most of the Migori locals seeking medical services in county-run health facilities have been left in panic, sorrow, and agitation.

This follows the ongoing nurses' strike in the county, which has now entered its second week.

How Migori nurses' strike has disrupted health services

Some of the affected locals told TUKO.co.ke that they had been forced to return home without getting medical attention after seeking services at various public health facilities.

One of those affected was forced to deliver at home after efforts to get maternal services at the Migori County Referral Hospital proved futile.

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“I came from Kanyamkago Central because I wanted my in-law to deliver here. She had complications throughout her pregnancy, and I wanted her to receive care from here, but regretfully, we are told they are on strike and I can’t be helped,” a local accompanying the pregnant woman said.

“We came here because we don’t have enough money. That's why we walked past the private hospital, but now we are going to find a traditional midwife to help deliver my daughter-in-law. It's the only option for us,” she added.

Justus Ouko, another resident from Ragana village in Suna West sub-county, suffered the same fate when he visited a local dispensary.

He claimed he found the gate closed and was told it was because the nurses were on strike.

“On Friday, I felt sick and visited a local dispensary only to be told that I should go to a private hospital since no one was available to help me. I was lucky that my Social Health Authority (SHA) subscription is up to date, so I went to Ombo Mission Hospital,” Ouko said.

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With the nurses' strike still ongoing, the locals have asked the county government of Migori to work on addressing the issues raised by the health workers.

They noted that any further disruption of services in health facilities would lead to more suffering.

Why are Migori nurses striking?

According to the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Migori branch secretary Ezekiel Mbira, they have been forced into an industrial action as they demand for implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The CBA includes the promotion and designation of the nurses. Other demands include payment of uniform arrears allowance with immediate effect and the creation of the office of the Director of Nurses.

"We have been intimidated, threatened, and even attempts at division made, but we stand strong and focused on our rights until dignity is restored. No nurse will return to work until our grievances are resolved,” Mbira said.

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Trans Nzoia nurses down tools

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that nurses in Trans Nzoia county had also downed their tools, disrupting access to health services.

Some of the locals said they had to return home without getting help after visiting the Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital in Kitale town.

The nurses are on strike, demanding the signing and registration of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke