The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, emphasizes the government’s inability to afford the proposed monthly salary of Sh.206,000 for medical interns, insisting on adhering to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) recommendations.
Koskei asserts, “The government has no money, there is no money to pay Ksh.206,000, let them take the Ksh.70,000 that is on offer.”
Amidst a month-long nationwide doctors’ strike, both the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the government remain entrenched in their positions, refusing to compromise.
Despite government warnings of disciplinary action, medics continue their strike, with some unions indicating a potential escalation of the crisis.
Efforts to resolve the stalemate through talks have faltered, with disagreements revolving around the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the placement of medical interns.
The dispute over intern placements particularly underscores the issue of salary.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore urges doctors to return to work and engage in dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the Labour Relations Act of 2007.
However, doctors remain resolute, dismissing government threats of dismissal.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah stands firm, stating, “There is no amount of intimidation, threats, that will make doctors go back to work … only the CBA will ensure they go back to work.”
The Kenya Clinical Officers Union (KUCO) also announces plans to escalate the crisis by withdrawing all essential services starting next week.
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