Kenya Progressive Nurses Association (KPNA) President Michael Nyongesa. Faith Matete Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives Secretary General Seth Panyako . Faith Matete National Nurses Union of Kenya President Collins Otieno addressing the media in Kisumu. Faith Matete
Kenya’s nursing unions have condemned remarks made by Farah Maalim. They demanded an immediate and unconditional apology over what they termed “demeaning and retrogressive” statements against the profession.
The unions gave the MP and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula 72 hours to apologise for remarks made in the National Assembly.
During a press briefing in Kisumu, the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, the National Nurses Association of Kenya and Kenya Progressive Nurses Association said they had noted with “utter disgust and profound disappointment” the remarks attributed to the MP during a parliamentary sitting on April 9, 2026.
Led by KPNA President Michael Nyongesa, the unions said the MP should retract his statements and issue a public apology acceptable to the profession. They warned that failure to do so would prompt formal action through Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee.
They accused the legislator of making reckless and ill-informed comments suggesting that nurses should be barred from holding senior managerial positions. These include roles such as Chief Officers and Chief Executive Officers in Level 4, 5 and 6 hospitals.
The unions rejected claims that nurses lack intellectual capacity or leadership competence. They described the remarks as an insult to thousands of healthcare professionals.
“The modern healthcare environment is a collaborative ecosystem, not a feudal hierarchy,” the statement reads. It adds that nursing is an autonomous profession with critical roles in patient care and health system management.
They stated that nurses are not subordinate to doctors or any other cadre. They said nurses are trained professionals operating within a multidisciplinary system where all roles are complementary.
Citing a High Court ruling in Constitutional Petition No. 85 of 2018, the unions said it is settled law that nurses are eligible for administrative and managerial positions.
They defended nurses’ academic qualifications, noting many hold degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates in fields such as health management and clinical research.
The unions also criticised the MP for allegedly linking his comments to a personal family grievance. They insisted public sector decisions are guided by merit, procedure and ethics.
According to the unions, such statements risk undermining morale among nurses, whom they described as the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system.
The statement was signed by Seth Panyako, Collins Ajuang and Nyongesa. They reiterated their demand for an apology and warned of further legal and parliamentary action.
The unions warned that if the two leaders fail to respond within 72 hours, nurses will march to Parliament and Afya House in protest.
“We are going to mobilise nationwide demonstrations to Parliament and Afya House. We will defend our profession at all costs,” Panyako said.
He defended nurses’ leadership capacity, citing global examples. He also accused Parliament of allowing abuse of privilege.
“But let it be known that demonstrations would proceed regardless of whether an apology is issued, signalling a looming confrontation”.