The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has put 11 counties on notice, warning of an imminent strike due to delays in doctors' salaries for July and August. In a stern message, KMPDU demanded immediate action, citing growing frustration among healthcare workers.
The counties facing the strike notice include Lamu, Kakamega, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kirinyaga, Samburu, Nakuru, and Mandera. KMPDU also issued a 14-day strike notice to Nandi and Mombasa counties, which have yet to release doctors' March and April salaries, despite a court order to do so.
Frustration Over Unfulfilled Promises
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah expressed deep dissatisfaction during a press briefing on Saturday. He pointed out that the return-to-work formula signed with the county and national governments has failed to yield results, leaving doctors with unmet promises and unpaid salary arrears.
According to Dr. Atellah, the healthcare workers were supposed to begin receiving seven years' worth of basic salary arrears in July. However, the national government has yet to act, and counties have claimed that they have not received the necessary funds.
“We have been patient but our patience must not be confused for comfort," said Dr. Atellah. "We are going to sue the government for contempt, and we are ready to go back and demand these monies.”
Legal Threat Looms
The union's frustration has now reached a boiling point, and they are prepared to take legal action if the salary issues remain unresolved. Dr. Atellah emphasized that the government’s failure to honor its commitments is a clear violation of the return-to-work agreement. If the matter is not addressed within 14 days, doctors in the affected counties will go on strike, potentially paralyzing healthcare services in the regions.
As the countdown to the strike continues, attention is now on the national and county governments to resolve the issue and prevent further disruption in Kenya’s already strained healthcare system.
