KNUNM-The Voice of a Kenyan Nurse

30/08/2026

KNUNM STATEMENT ON PASSING AWAY OF BRO. ALBERT NJERU OBED, KUDHEIHA GENERAL SECRETARY & COTU (K) TREASURER GENERAL ON 29TH AUGUST, 2026.

///30th August, 2026 ///

It is with deep sorrow that KNUNM extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bro.
Albert Njeru Obed - the esteemed Treasurer General of COTU (K) and General Secretary of KUDHEIHA. We join his family, friends, the leadership of COTU (K), and the entire KUDHEIHA fraternity in mourning a colossal figure in the labor movement. Bro. Njeru was an exceptional leader whose dedication to the welfare and dignity of Kenyan workers was both unwavering and transformative. His untimely demise leaves a vast void in our collective fight for social justice and labor rights across the nation.

Before the registration of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives in 2013, Bro. Albert Njeru stood as a pillar of strength and a fearless advocate for our workforce. During a time when nurses and midwives lacked a dedicated union to champion their specific grievances, he diligently stepped into the gap. Through KUDHEIHA, he fiercely represented and fought for the welfare, fair compensation, and safe working conditions of healthcare workers. The foundation of professional dignity that our members stand on today was heavily laid by his courageous advocacy during those challenging years.

Even after KNUNM was established, Bro. Njeru’s solidarity with Nurses and Midwives never wavered. He transitioned seamlessly from being our primary representative to becoming a vital institutional ally, consistently supporting our independent Union in every major battle for workers' rights. Until his final days, he remained a dependable confidant and a strategic pillar within COTU (K), ensuring that the voices of frontline healthcare workers were amplified at the highest levels of national policy and labor negotiations. His collaborative spirit served as a constant reminder that the struggle for labor rights is interconnected and stronger when unified.

On behalf of the Union Leadership and the entire membership of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, we pray that the Almighty God grants his family, friends, and colleagues the fortitude to bear this immense loss. We celebrate a life beautifully lived in service to humanity, and we commit to honoring his rich legacy by continuing the relentless fight for the rights and welfare of all workers.

May the soul of our departed brother and leader, Bro. Albert Njeru, rest in eternal peace.

Hon. Seth Kuka Panyako
General Secretary
Kenya National Union of Nurses & Midwives

30/08/2026

The General Secretary held a consultative meeting with the executive leadership of the West Pokot Branch to discuss member welfare and union solidarity.

Led by Branch Secretary Simon Konocho, they firmly assured the General Secretary of their unwavering commitment to the ongoing fight for Nurses' and Midwives' rights, proper promotions, and better working environments.

The leaders reaffirmed their joint resolve to maintain a strong, united front in defending the professional dignity and labour rights of all the Nurses and Midwives within the county and across the nation.

Other branch officials, included Noah Merikol (Vice Chair), Jacqueline Chai (Vice Secretary), Thomas Chikchik (Trustee), and Celestine Mitingi (Organising Secretary).

27/08/2026

Today, the General Secretary,Hon. Seth Kuka Panyako received a courtesy call from Pauline Kawira, author of the profound new book, "Hands That Heal: The Cry of a Kenyan Nurse." Ms. Kawira presented a copy of the book to the General Secretary as a token of appreciation for his selfless leadership and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession.

Dedicated to all nurses, "Hands That Heal" honors the courage, devotion, and boundless love Nurses bring to their patients daily. We highly encourage all members to secure a copy of this inspiring work.

During the visit, the General Secretary was also joined by the Branch Secretary for Uasin Gishu, Bro. Kevin Klenn Kimutai, who provided an update on the ongoing nationwide nurses' strike within his branch.

National Treasurer Sister Maureen Nzioka and Deputy National Organizing Secretary Bro. Stephen Ruteere were also present to help the General Secretary in receiving the delegates.

26/08/2026

Today, the General Secretary Hon. Seth Kuka Panyako met with the leadership of the Internship Liaison Committee to advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals. The constructive discussion centered on improving the experiences of university student nurses and nurse interns, specifically highlighting the urgent need for timely internship placements and thorough education on labour relations.

To ensure these young professionals have a strong voice, the Union has launched a dedicated Internship Chapter. This new initiative provides a direct platform to handle all labour-related matters, ensuring that student nurses and interns receive the support and protection they deserve as they enter the field.

The was flanked by Deputy General Secretary Bro. Maurice Opetu, National Treasurer Sister Maureen Nzioka and the National Organizing Secretary Bro. Stephen Ruteere.

We Dare To Care!

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

Nurses and Midwives March to Council of Governors (CoG) offices on Riverside, Nairobi

23/08/2026

Mombasa /// 23rd August, 2026

Today, the National leadership of the Union led by General Secretary Hon. Seth Kuka Panyako , Deputy General Secretary Mr. Maurice Opetu, and National Treasurer Madam Maureen Nzioka and Joined by the Union's Branch Officials for Mombasa held a high-level consultative meeting today in Mombasa with Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who is the Chairperson of the Council of Governors-Kenya (CoG) Committee on Health.

The meeting represents a monumental step towards resolving the nationwide nurses and midwives strike that has paralyzed public health facilities since 29th July, 2026. Demonstrating an unyielding commitment to multi-level diplomacy, the Union Leaders continue to aggressively pursue structured engagements at both the county and national levels to address labour grievances and restore normalcy in our health facilities.

Expanding the diplomatic outreach, the General Secretary also held lengthy, strategic discussions with H.E Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, who serves as the CoG Chairperson for Human Resources, Labour, and Welfare, alongside H.E. Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi, who is the Chairperson of the CoG Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee.

The direct involvement of these two leaders is vital, as Governor Wanga's docket governs human resource policies, collective bargaining agreements, and welfare frameworks for county employees across all 47 devolved units. Concurrently, Governor Sang's position as the head of resource mobilization is critical for unlocking the necessary external financing, partnerships, and budgetary allowances needed to fund union demands.

By uniting the specific capabilities of the CoG Health, Labor, and Resource organs, this expanded consultative framework will create an essential pathway to finalize a comprehensive, financially backed deal that will decisively end the nationwide strike.

We Dare To Care!

22/08/2026

Panyako insisted that the union would not call off the strike, despite the court orders.