The Machakos County Government says it is ready to hold talks with nurses to end the ongoing strike that has left many patients without care.

Nurses in the county walked off the job last week after disputes with the county government turned into full-blown industrial action.

Their strike is part of a nationwide protest that started in May, with nurses pushing for better pay, promotions, and proper implementation of their collective bargaining agreement.

They also accuse the county of failing to remit statutory deductions and ignoring guidelines from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

Speaking at Kithimani Salvation Army Church on Sunday, Aug 17, 2025, Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the county is determined to solve the issue quickly so that residents can access health services again.

“We are determined to solve this matter as we move forward. Let us not make it political because those who will be affected are the patients,” he said.

Mwangangi added that if healthcare services are well managed, Machakos can even attract patients from outside towns. He urged nurses to come to the table and find a solution.

“If our healthcare infrastructure is good, we can benefit from clients who are coming from urban centers. Let us negotiate with our doctors to end the strikes,” he added.

The strike has hit health facilities hard, especially Machakos Level Five Hospital, where many patients have been left unattended. Families say they have been forced to seek services in private hospitals, which is costly.

Nurses are demanding that the county honors the salary agreement it signed with them, saying they deserve fair treatment for the work they do.

Mwangangi assured residents that the county is willing to listen to the nurses and work out a deal, saying restoring healthcare services is a top priority.