The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a 21-day strike notice, signaling a nationwide doctors’ strike set to begin at 11:59 PM on December 22, 2024.
In a statement on his X feed, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah confirmed the decision, stating the strike aims to push the government to fulfill promises made in the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF), including the payment of intern doctors and the enforcement of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Atellah emphasized that the government had failed to implement the agreed-upon salary scales from the RTWF, despite having seven months to do so.
He warned that the strike would be prolonged and would continue until all demands are met.
This is set to be a full-scale strike, with no room for negotiation or dialogue, as the union has grown frustrated with the government’s unfulfilled commitments.
“We are saying this without any fear of contradiction: when we call a strike, no one should come to us with promises of goodwill or further negotiations.
Seven months is far too long to continue making empty promises,” Atellah declared.
The last doctors’ strike, which lasted 56 days, severely disrupted operations at public health facilities, causing significant suffering to patients.
It was only ended on May 8, 2024, after extensive negotiations facilitated by the Labour Relations Court, the Ministry of Labour, and the Head of Public Service, Felix Kosgey.
Atellah also highlighted the devastating impact of the government’s failure to pay intern doctors.
According to KMPDU, two interns have tragically taken their own lives this year due to financial stress, while four others were rescued from suicide attempts.
The first incident occurred on September 24, 2024, with the death of Dr. Desiree Moraa, who was stationed at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital.
The second death was of a male pharmacist on November 26, 2024, working at Thika Level 5 Hospital.
“Financial struggles have been cited as the key motivator behind these tragic events,” Atellah said.
“These are young people who are dedicated to serving the public, but due to the government’s inaction, they felt forced to take such desperate measures.”
Atellah further stressed that the government was more focused on tax deductions than on ensuring proper service delivery and supporting the wellbeing of medical professionals.
The union plans to officially announce the strike on November 30, 2024, during their National Delegates Conference at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
The strike will begin on December 1, 2024, unless the government fulfills its obligations.
“This situation is deeply saddening, but the responsibility lies squarely with the government, which continues to fail in honoring its agreements and court orders,” Atellah concluded.
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