Tharaka Nithi Nurses Resume Duty Despite Nationwide Strike: KNUN Tharaka Nithi Branch

• Nurses in Tharaka Nithi County agreed to resume duty on Thursday despite the nationwide strike, which was temporarily halted by a court order on August 5, 2026.
• The decision was driven by a court order obtained by the county government, which remains active.
• The resumption of healthcare services may have implications for lawyers advising clients in Tharaka Nithi under the court order and CBA implementation.

The decision was announced following a meeting between KNUN Tharaka Nithi branch officials and county government representatives led by County Secretary Alex Muratha and Health Chief Officer Rose Micheni.

In a move that has sparked both relief and concern, nurses in Tharaka Nithi County have agreed to resume their duties on Thursday. This decision comes despite the nationwide strike called by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) headquarters, which was temporarily halted by a court order on August 5, 2026. According to Fabian Marigu, Secretary of the KNUN Tharaka Nithi branch, the county's decision to direct its members back to work is a gesture of goodwill shown by the county leadership in addressing grievances affecting nurses locally.

The resumption of healthcare services may have significant implications for lawyers advising clients in Tharaka Nithi. As the court order remains active, it is essential for them to monitor developments on the implementation of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to ensure compliance with labor laws.

The decision by nurses in Tharaka Nithi to resume duty is largely driven by a court order obtained by the county government. The order, which remains active, has prompted the county branch of KNUN to direct its members back to work. In a statement, County Secretary Alex Muratha welcomed the union's decision, saying it would restore healthcare services disrupted by the strike. He reiterated the county government's commitment to resolving labor disputes through dialogue and consultation.

The Tharaka Nithi nurses' resumption of duty may also have implications for the ongoing negotiations on outstanding issues affecting nurses in the county. As Marigu noted, some county-specific concerns had been addressed, but discussions continue on key issues such as the promotion of 98 nurses and the confirmation of nine others to permanent and pensionable terms.

The decision by nurses in Tharaka Nithi to resume duty highlights the complexities of labor disputes in Kenya. The nationwide strike, which has seen nurses across the country press for implementation of the 2025-2029 CBA, improved salaries and allowances, better working conditions, career progression, increased staffing, and adequate medical supplies, underscores the need for collective bargaining agreements that address the concerns of workers.

The Tharaka Nithi nurses' resumption of duty may also have implications for the implementation of the 2025-2029 CBA. As Marigu noted, the county branch remains in solidarity with nurses across the country and will continue supporting the national union's efforts to resolve outstanding grievances.

Lawyers advising clients in Tharaka Nithi should be aware that the resumption of healthcare services may impact their obligations under the court order, and they should monitor developments on the implementation of the 2025-2029 CBA to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]