Doctors end 41-day strike after signing a return-to-work formula

Deserted Kakamega county referral hospital where Doctors strike affected the operations on April 1, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Doctors in Kakamega have signed a return-to-work agreement with the county government, ending a 41-day strike that had paralysed health services in government hospitals.

Officials from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) directed members to resume work within 42 hours.

KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dr Dennis Miskella said the county committed to promoting, employing, and providing medical cover for doctors as outlined in their strike notice.

"I apologise to patients and residents who have missed health services for over 40 days. I thank the governor and his officials for their cooperation; we reached an agreement on most issues within 30 minutes," said Dr Miskella.

Kakamega is the first county to convert all locum doctors into permanent and pensionable terms, with plans to recruit an additional 22 doctors. Doctors who have stagnated in one position will be prioritised for promotion.

Dr Miskella criticised the national government for delaying remittances to the Social Health Authority (SHA), causing friction between KMPDU and the counties.

Kakamega's Health CECM, Dr Livingstone Imbayi, confirmed the strike's end and promised to implement the agreement, including advance payment for comprehensive medical cover.

He said the County Public Service Board will complete promotions for 63 doctors within three weeks, with further recruitment planned over the next three months.

Yesterday, a scuffle occurred at Kakamega County General Hospital when enforcement officers locked striking doctors inside to prevent protests, disrupting services and affecting patients.