Nurses in Meru County have issued a 14-day strike notice to the county government, citing the failure to fulfill agreements made in April 2024.
According to a press statement released on Monday, the nurses had previously agreed to a back-to-work formula in September 2023, which included specific demands to be met by April 2024. However, they assert that none of these demands have been addressed to date.
Their primary concerns revolve around the poor working conditions and severe understaffing in local hospitals.
They highlight that each nurse is responsible for up to 72 dispensaries, a situation that contravenes WHO guidelines. Moreover, they express disappointment that the budget for this year did not allocate funds to hire an additional 500 nurses and medical staff urgently needed in Meru County.
The nurses have emphasized that these demands represent their minimum requirements. They have warned of impending strike action if their grievances remain unaddressed by the end of the 14-day notice period.
