Nurses’ Strike Declared Human-Rights Crisis as 79 Deaths Are Reported

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has described the ongoing nurses’ strike as a public-health and human-rights crisis.

A report presented by health professionals recorded 79 deaths between August 31 and September 2, including maternal, neonatal and perinatal cases. The commission called for the figures to be independently verified and investigated, meaning the reported total should not yet be treated as a confirmed count of deaths directly caused by the strike.

The industrial action has disrupted services in public hospitals, leaving patients who cannot afford private care particularly vulnerable. Emergency treatment, maternity services and care for newborns are among the areas of greatest concern.

KNCHR has urged the government and health workers’ representatives to resume meaningful negotiations while ensuring continuity of essential services.

The crisis has now moved beyond a labour dispute. Every additional day without a settlement increases pressure on patients, families and medical workers who remain on duty.

Accountability will require both an agreement to restore services and an independent examination of what happened during the shutdown.