Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has addressed Kenyans on a possible disruption of services following reports that nurses, through the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), are considering protests over delayed salary.
In a statement on Sunday, April 12, KNH noted the concerns raised and was actively engaging relevant government agencies and staff representatives through established consultation mechanisms.
According to KNH, the dispute centres largely on delays in remitting statutory and third-party deductions, rather than unpaid salaries.
However, the hospital confirmed that all staff salaries have been processed and paid up to March 2026.
“KNH has taken note of media reports regarding concerns raised by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the possibility of industrial action. As the country’s largest national referral and teaching hospital, KNH remains fully committed to the uninterrupted provision of specialised healthcare services to the public,” KNH stated.
The hospital revealed that the timing of remittances is influenced by cash-flow cycles and reimbursement processes tied to national health financing arrangements.
The hospital further noted that over the past several years, many healthcare workers have transitioned to permanent and pensionable employment, with the hospital stating that discussions are currently ongoing within relevant stakeholders to resolve the disputes.
“The Hospital Management remains committed to constructive engagement with staff representatives, relevant unions, and government stakeholders to resolve the issues raised through dialogue and established dispute-resolution mechanisms”, KNH added.
This follows an announcement from nurses and midwives that they will down their tools at the facility, citing inadequate funding, long-term casual contracts, unpaid pensions, and unfair hiring practices.
According to the union, the mistreatment of nurses, the lack of statutory mechanisms for loan deduction, which has prevented many nurses from withdrawing their salaries from banks, and other grievances are among the concerns.
“KNH does not have adequate funds. We have nurses in the knh who have been on casual between 4 and 6 years. They get salaries, but banks retain the salaries because statutory deductions are not remitted. Therefore, on Monday, nurses are seeking answers for the first time, enough is enough. 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,” the union stated.
