The Labour Court has issued an order blocking Machakos, Laikipia, Taita Taveta and Murang'a governors from firing striking nurses who haven't resumed duty despite orders from the Council of Governors.
Last week, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua warned nurses in his county that they risked facing the sack if they would not resume work immediately.
Mutua warned the over 1,000 nurses that they were breaking the law but assured them that they would not face any punishment.
“I urge all nurses to come back to work as we continue negotiations, please come back to work, and that is how the law says. If you come back to work, no action will be taken against you.
“Those who do not resume work will be dismissed as per the law,” he remarked.
[caption caption="Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua"]
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His sentiments were echoed by Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, Taita Taveta's Granton Samboja and Mwangi wa Iria from Murang'a.
The Council of Governors had maintained that all nurses who were on strike would be sacked by their respective counties for failing to resume work.
Chairman Josphat Nanok reiterated that the council had directed the respective county bosses to take action against them as the strike had been declared illegal by the courts.
Nanok added that the counties were free to advertise for new applicants to replace those who had not reported to work after the September 8 deadline provided for them to resume their duties.
Nurses in public hospitals have been on strike since June, paralysing health care services countrywide.
[caption caption="Council of Governors Chairman Josphat Nanok"]
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At the centre of their dispute is a collective bargaining agreement that had been struck with county governments through the council of governors.
The agreement addresses pay, working conditions and promotions but has not been honoured by the governors who find it too costly
Some nurses have gone back to work, though most remain on strike.
