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Peterson Wachira, Chairperson of the Health Union Caucus, during a press briefing at which the union announced a nationwide strike that shall commence at midnight on Monday, July 20, 2026. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]
Healthcare services across Kenya have been left paralysed as medical practitioners began a nationwide strike at midnight following the expiry of a 14-day strike notice issued on July 6, 2026, over the government's failure to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent and pensionable terms.
The industrial action, announced by the Health Union Caucus on Monday, is expected to cripple healthcare delivery in all 47 counties, with thousands of patients now forced to seek alternative treatment.
The unions said the strike follows months of failed negotiations despite the issuance of a 21-day demand notice on June 15 and a subsequent 14-day strike notice on July 6.
