Nurses Move to Court, KUNM Elections Suspended Amid Governance Row

A section of nurses drawn from various counties has moved to court to challenge the constitution of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KUNM), setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle that has now seen the suspension of the union’s upcoming elections.

The nurses argue that the current KUNM constitution entrenches discriminatory practices, concentrates excessive power in the office of the General Secretary, and undermines internal democracy.

Call to Safeguard Democracy

Speaking during a press briefing, Simon Kibii, who identified himself as a KUNM member, said the decision to seek legal redress was not taken lightly but was necessary to restore accountability and fairness within the union.

“This was a difficult decision, but our aim is to preserve democratic rights, ensure fair treatment and promote transparency in leadership,” Kibii said. “The union must serve the needs of its members, not personal ambitions.”

Kibii claimed that certain constitutional clauses grant overwhelming authority to the General Secretary, upsetting the balance of power within the union’s leadership structure. He further alleged that stringent nomination requirements have locked out qualified candidates from contesting senior positions.

“A union constitution should create space for participation, competitive elections and accountability. Members must have a genuine opportunity to choose their leaders,” he added.

Court Halts February Elections

Following the petition, the court suspended several contested constitutional provisions and halted the union’s elections that had been scheduled for February 6, 2026. The elections will remain on hold pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The move has thrown the union’s electoral calendar into uncertainty and intensified debate within nursing circles.

Leadership Accused of Failing Members

John Bii, a nurse from Uasin Gishu County and former national chairman of the union, accused the current leadership of mismanaging the union and failing to secure tangible gains for members.

“The nurses’ union has deteriorated over the last thirteen years. We have lost several Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) cycles, and nurses continue to endure low pay and poor working conditions,” Bii said.

He further alleged that return-to-work agreements signed after previous strikes were not effectively implemented, leaving nurses frustrated and disillusioned.

“Nurses have woken up. They are ready to take back their union and put in place leadership that has their interests at heart,” he declared.

Allegations of Resource Misuse

Bii also accused union officials of misusing resources, claiming that concerns over financial management had previously been raised in court and reported to relevant authorities.

“Union money must only be used to support members. No official should use nurses’ resources for personal gain,” he stated.

Reform Agenda, Not Politics

The group was keen to distance its reform push from partisan politics, emphasizing that nurses from different political affiliations share common professional challenges.

“This is not a political fight. It is a professional fight for reforms that will strengthen our union and defend the welfare of nurses,” Bii said.

The reformists have called on nurses across the country to rally behind the movement, expressing confidence that the court process will pave the way for a more transparent, accountable and democratic union.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could significantly reshape the future of KUNM and redefine how nurses organize, elect leaders and advocate for their rights nationwide.