- KMPDU issues strike notices for six counties in Kenya
- Vihiga doctors already on strike, citing lack of promotions
- Strikes scheduled in Kajiado, Kilifi, Nakuru, and Embu over unmet demands
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacist, and Dentist Union (KMPDU) have issued strike notices for doctors in six counties. This action stems from frustration and the deliberate refusal of these counties to uphold doctors’ rights.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah speaking to the media.
“Doctors in Vihiga have been on strike since last week, and their strike will continue until their demands are implemented.” KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah revealed.
At a KMPDU National Advisory Council meeting in Elementaita, Atellah emphasized that Vihiga doctors, who have long been without promotions, are determined to strike until their demands are met. The meeting addressed various issues affecting members and healthcare delivery, leading to resolutions, with the impending national strike taking precedence.
Atellah outlined the ongoing and scheduled strikes, stating, “The strike notice for Kajiado County was on, with the strike set to commence next week on December 7. The strike will also be relentless until their demands are addressed.”
Additionally, there is a 14-day strike notice for Kilifi County, scheduled to start on December 18 if the issues raised are not resolved. Nakuru County, engaged in prolonged discussions with KMPDU, is included in the list of counties where doctors plan to down their tools this month.
Atellah said, “Nakuru County Government seems to be into ego play than resolving the issues that doctors are presenting, while the County Public Service Board is not interested in ensuring that medical services are offered.” Medics in Nakuru are set to go on strike between December 17 and 20, following a court case scheduled for December 13.
Furthermore, doctors in Embu County are planning to strike towards the end of December due to the non-responsiveness of the county and the lack of support and necessary tools.
“The medics in Embu were not being supported, capacitated, and provided with the required tools.”
The common thread among these strikes is the county governments’ refusal to honor Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and equip their members adequately. Busia County, although lacking detailed information, is also facing the potential of strikes within this month.
