A prolonged nurses' strike in Kenya, now in its 37th day, has led to a significant rise in maternal and newborn deaths, prompting health professionals to warn of a growing public health crisis.

• At least 83 maternal deaths and 513 perinatal deaths have been recorded during the strike.
• The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) is protesting at the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Council of Governors (CoG), whom they blame for delaying a resolution.
• Nurses are demanding the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and other outstanding issues, vowing to continue the strike until their demands are met.

The nurses' strike in Kenya has now entered its 37th day, with reports indicating a grim toll of 79 deaths during this period.

• 79 deaths reported so far.
• The ongoing nurses' strike.
• The strike has lasted for 37 days.

Professional health bodies are expressing alarm over a significant surge in maternal and prenatal deaths, directly linking the increase to the ongoing nurses' strike.

• A devastating 75 maternal deaths and nearly 500 prenatal deaths have been recorded.
• The professional health bodies are sounding the alarm.
• The critical situation is unfolding as the nurses' strike enters its 37th day.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has clarified that the new 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards do not prevent diploma-holding pharmacists from practising in Kenya, following protests by the sector.

• The standards clarify the role of a superintendent of pharmacy services, differentiating it from general practice.
• Protests were led by the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA), concerned about restrictions on diploma holders managing pharmacy services in Level 3 facilities.
• Duale emphasized the standards aim to protect patients and ensure quality pharmaceutical care, developed over a five-year period.

Motorists are demanding intervention from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) due to a surge in insecurity on major Kenyan highways, including the Kisumu-Busia road and the Nairobi Expressway.

• A driver reported being attacked near Maseno on the Kisumu-Busia road by youths armed with pangas and rungus on Friday morning.
• The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA) has urged drivers to avoid the Kisumu-Busia route at night and called for increased police patrols.
• A separate robbery incident involving a group of men attacking vehicles was reported on the Nairobi Expressway on Thursday, leading to widespread concern among drivers.