Services at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi were disrupted on Monday morning after nurses downed their tools over none remittance of statutory deductions.

The nurses have also cited poor working conditions, understaffing, non-payment of uniform allowances and arrears, as well as inadequate medical cover, among other concerns, as the reasons for the go-slow action.

The strike has severely disrupted operations at the country’s largest referral hospital, leaving patients struggling with delayed or inaccessible medical services.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 12, Acting KNH Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe, assured staff, patients, and the public that talks are ongoing and the concerns raised are being addressed.

“The Hospital Management wishes to assure staff, patients, and the public that the issues highlighted primarily relate to remittance timelines for statutory and third-party deductions, as well as broader staff welfare matters”, he said.

“These issues are currently being addressed through the established institutional consultation mechanisms between the Hospital, relevant government agencies, and staff representatives”, he assured.

Lesiyampe noted that all staff salaries have been processed up to March 2026, emphasizing that statutory and third-party deductions are managed through structured remittance frameworks aligned with institutional financial cycles.

“With regard to pension contributions, the Hospital continues to operate within the established pension administration framework to ensure that both employer and employee obligations are managed in accordance with the applicable arrangements”, he explained.

The KNH Management is appealing for sustained engagement and cooperation from all parties as efforts are ongoing to resolve the matters raised without compromising patient care and staff welfare.

“As the country’s largest national referral and teaching hospital, KNH remains fully committed to the uninterrupted provision of specialized healthcare services to the public. 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,” he stated.