By Ongaga Ongaga
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has called for urgent reforms in labour relations in the health sector, warning that recurring strikes are putting patients at risk and threatening Kenya’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
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The association expressed concern over the ongoing industrial action in Kenya’s public health sector, saying the disruption of services disproportionately affects vulnerable patients.
“The disruption of health services places patients at risk, disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, and threatens the progress made towards Universal Health Coverage,” KMA said.
The association said the ongoing crisis highlights deeper weaknesses in the management of labour relations between health workers and their employers.
According to KMA, delayed implementation of negotiated agreements, inconsistent engagement with health workers and weak dispute-resolution mechanisms have contributed to repeated industrial unrest.
“Recurring strikes are evidence of systemic governance failures,” the association said, arguing that preventing industrial action should be part of good governance.
KMA wants Works Councils activated
KMA is now calling for the immediate operationalisation of Works Councils at both county and national levels to provide structured platforms for dialogue between government, health worker unions and professional associations.
The councils, according to the association, should facilitate consultation, monitor the implementation of agreements, identify emerging workforce challenges and resolve disputes before they escalate into strikes.
KMA wants the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors and the Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council (KHHRAC) to provide technical leadership in establishing standardised frameworks and strengthening the capacity of the councils.
The association has also proposed the immediate convening of National and County Works Councils to address the current dispute and establish a programme for continuous engagement.
Calls for transparency on agreements
KMA is further demanding the publication of the implementation status of existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and other negotiated commitments.
It says greater transparency would enhance accountability and enable health workers and the public to track whether agreements reached between workers and government are being honoured.
The association has also proposed a joint implementation committee bringing together government, health worker unions, professional associations, KHHRAC and other stakeholders to monitor commitments and address emerging disputes.
It wants stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that negotiated agreements are implemented within agreed timelines.
As negotiations continue, KMA has called for the protection of emergency and life-saving health services throughout the dispute.
The association said the current nurses’ strike should become a catalyst for broader reforms rather than another episode of crisis management.
“The current nurses strike should mark a turning point in reforming labour relations within Kenya’s health sector,” KMA said.
“Sustainable industrial harmony will not be achieved through repeated crisis negotiations, but through strong institutions, predictable dialogue, mutual accountability, and respect for negotiated commitments.”
KMA President Dr Ibrahim Matende said the association remained committed to working with the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, KHHRAC, health worker unions and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s health system.
“Kenya cannot afford to lose the gains made towards Universal Health Coverage through preventable failures in labour relations,” the association said.
