MTRH Nurses Suspend Planned Strike for Two Weeks After Breakthrough Talks with Management

 

Healthcare services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital will continue without disruption after nurses and other unionised staff agreed to suspend a planned industrial strike for two weeks following intensive negotiations with hospital management and the board.

The agreement, reached after a week of rising tensions and staff mobilization, culminated in the signing of a return-to-work formula and a resolution framework aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over staff welfare, payroll management, and working conditions.

The strike had been set to begin on Tuesday after unions held a series of assemblies—popularly known as “kamukunjis”—to rally members over unresolved grievances. However, last-minute engagements between management and union leaders resulted in a breakthrough, averting what could have been a major disruption at one of Kenya’s largest referral hospitals.

Breakthrough After Days of Negotiations

Speaking during the signing ceremony, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Philip Kirwa described the outcome as a significant milestone for the institution.

“Today is a great day for us. We have had engagements with the unions over the last one week, and fortunately we have agreed on a return-to-work formula that will help normalize operations within the facility,” he said.

Dr. Kirwa acknowledged that the hospital had faced challenges, particularly in remitting statutory deductions from payroll, which formed a central part of the unions’ grievances. However, he noted that both sides had now agreed on a practical and immediate plan to resolve the issue.

“We have negotiated a workable formula to enable us to meet those deductions, and we will begin implementing it immediately,” he added.

Unions Claim Major Gains

Union leaders welcomed the agreement, describing it as a major victory for healthcare workers while maintaining a cautious stance on its implementation.

Edwin Rono, the branch secretary of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) North Rift and secretary of the MTRH Union Caucus, said the outcome reflected the success of collective action.

“For us as unionists, we do not like calling strikes because every day lost is a loss to the nation and to all of us. The document we have signed today is a huge win for the staff of MTRH, and most of our demands have been addressed,” he said.

Rono confirmed that the strike had been called off—at least temporarily—allowing staff to resume normal duties.

“Our agitation over the past week has been successful, and we are proud to declare that the strike is off. However, we will remain vigilant to ensure everything agreed upon is fully implemented,” he added.

Conditional Suspension, Not Full Withdrawal

Other union representatives emphasized that the decision was not a complete withdrawal of the strike notice, but rather a conditional suspension to allow room for implementation.

Daniel Osoru of the Kenya National Union of Nurses said while significant progress had been made, union members would closely monitor developments.

“To a large extent, the agreement addresses our grievances, but we urge our members to remain on high alert. If implementation does not proceed as agreed, we will not hesitate to take further action,” he warned.

Similarly, Xavier Wamalwa-Semiyu, representing the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, announced that the strike would be suspended for two weeks as a goodwill gesture.

“We are suspending the strike for two weeks to allow management to implement the agreement. If our demands are not met within that period, industrial action will resume without notice,” he said.

He stressed that the unions’ push for action was driven not only by staff welfare concerns but also by the need to improve patient care and strengthen the healthcare system.

Key Issues: Payroll, Funding, and Staffing

At the heart of the dispute were delays in remittance of statutory deductions, pension concerns, and broader financial challenges facing the hospital.

Dr. Kirwa attributed these difficulties to funding shortfalls from the National Treasury but expressed optimism that the situation would improve with expected disbursements under the supplementary budget.

“We are expecting additional support, which will go a long way in addressing many of the outstanding issues raised by staff,” he explained.

He also highlighted the growing importance of the Social Health Authority in sustaining hospital operations, revealing that approximately 80 percent of the hospital’s revenue now comes from SHA reimbursements.

“When we receive timely and sufficient remittances from SHA, it significantly helps us manage our obligations, including staff-related expenses,” he noted.

In addition, the CEO acknowledged persistent staff shortages, particularly among nurses, attributing the situation to migration abroad, resignations, and natural attrition.

He revealed that the hospital is currently conducting a staffing needs assessment using the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) tool, with plans to recruit additional personnel once the process is complete.

Balancing Costs and Service Delivery

Dr. Kirwa pointed out that managing payroll remains a major challenge, with staff costs accounting for nearly 70 percent of the hospital’s total expenditure.

“Healthcare is highly dependent on human resources. Even with advanced equipment, you still need skilled personnel to operate and deliver services,” he said.

He added that the hospital is working to strike a balance between personnel costs and operational needs while ensuring quality healthcare delivery.

Relief for Patients

The suspension of the strike comes as a relief to thousands of patients who depend on MTRH for specialized care. A prolonged industrial action would have significantly disrupted services, especially in critical departments.

Both management and union leaders expressed appreciation for the role played by the hospital’s board in facilitating dialogue and helping to reach a compromise.

“We truly appreciate the cooperation and understanding from all parties. This agreement shows that dialogue remains the best way to resolve disputes,” said Dr. Kirwa.

The Road Ahead

While the immediate crisis has been averted, the next two weeks will be critical in determining whether the agreement holds. Union leaders have made it clear that implementation of the return-to-work formula will be closely monitored.

“If the commitments made today are honored, we will continue to work together. If not, we will take the necessary steps to defend the rights of our members,” the union caucus stated.

For now, normal operations resume at the facility, with both sides expressing cautious optimism that the agreement will lead to lasting improvements in staff welfare and service delivery at one of Kenya’s premier referral hospitals.