The standoff persists between doctors and the government as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) refrains from endorsing a return-to-work agreement.
The discord, outlined in a statement released on May 5, centers on several contentious issues exacerbating the rift.
One major point of contention revolves around the delayed deployment of interns. KMPDU advocates for interns to be assigned in accordance with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), entitling them to a gross rate of Kshs. 206,000 in salary and allowances.
However, the government insists on adhering to the new Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) circular issued on March 13, 2024, proposing a reduced pay of Kshs. 70,000. KMPDU asserts the precedence of the 2017 CBA over the unilateral SRC circular.
Furthermore, discord persists regarding terms of service. KMPDU demands the conversion of all contract positions to permanent and pensionable status at the county level, whereas the government only commits to aligning salaries with SRC standards, without specifying a timeline for contract conversions.
In terms of promotions and redesignations, KMPDU pushes for immediate action on pending promotions and the reclassification of consultants to job group Q within 90 days, as per the Schemes of Service.
The government pledges to initiate promotions within 30 days but remains vague on completion timelines.
Although both parties agree to negotiate a new CBA and address issues such as payment for postgraduate studies and enhanced medical schemes, substantial disagreements persist.
The government’s commitment to increasing doctor numbers lacks specificity, and disputes continue regarding the completion of promotions and redesignations.
This impasse unfolds amidst an ongoing strike exceeding 50 days, with doctors and healthcare workers resolved to continue protesting until their demands are met by the government.
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