Nurses in Nairobi have today held a peaceful demonstration in the city after the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC) rejected their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Their procession started in Uhuru Park, and they headed to Afya House, the SRC offices then ended in Westlands at the Council of Governors Office.
In an interview with the Kenya Union of Nurses Deputy Secretary General Maurice Odhiambo Opetu, said that all they want is the implementation of the memorandum of understanding of the national government and county governments about their allowances.
“Unless the SRC implements the bill we will still hold a peaceful demonstration,” he said “We are inviting even our friends from neighbouring Counties to join us in the walk,” he added, urging all nurses to show solidarity by coming out in large numbers to demand for their rights.
They blamed the SRC and the County government in what they termed as a conflict of interest between the two administrative bodies.
Nairobi County has employed over 1,600 nurses based in various city hospitals including Mama Lucy Hospital, Mbagathi Hospital, Mutuini hospital and Pumwani Maternity.
The demonstration comes just two days after eight patients were reported dead after the nurses failed to attend to them due to the ongoing strike.
Patients seeking treatment at various public hospitals across the country were turned away today as the strike entered its third day.
Critically ill patients were discharged from public hospitals in Taita-Taveta County as more than 300 nurses joined in the nationwide strike.
A spot check at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi revealed that the wards remained deserted as patients were collected by relatives.