Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has assured the public that its services will not be disrupted despite nurses threatening industrial action over delayed statutory remittances. The planned action was set for Monday, April 13, 2026. The hospital says it is addressing the concerns through dialogue.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) issued a statement on April 12, 2026, assuring the public that its specialised healthcare services would continue uninterrupted. This follows reports from the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) about potential industrial action over delayed statutory and third-party deductions, as well as staff welfare issues.
KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako highlighted grievances including inadequate funding, long-term casual contracts lasting 4 to 6 years, unpaid pensions, and unfair hiring practices. "KNH does not have adequate funds. We have nurses who have been on casual between 4 and 6 years. They get salaries, but banks retain the salaries because statutory deductions are not remitted," Panyako stated. He added, "You cannot be hiring people from outside and they come and earn more than those who have been there for five years, that is not fair."
KNH clarified that the dispute concerns remittance delays, not unpaid salaries, confirming all staff pay up to March 2026 has been processed. The hospital noted that remittance timing is affected by cash-flow cycles and national health financing reimbursements. On pensions, it operates within the existing framework, with many healthcare workers having transitioned to permanent terms.
Hospital management committed to engaging staff representatives, unions, and government stakeholders through dialogue and dispute-resolution mechanisms to resolve the issues.
