Medics to snub work from next week over unpaid salaries, Union says

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji flanked by fellow doctors address the press. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Medical practitioners say they will not show up for work from next week Wednesday, April 19, 2023, should their salaries not be remitted.

In a notice to twelve county chiefs, the medics from various medical bodies said the non-payment of their monthly salaries and deductions has pushed them to the wall. They say they are unable to meet their day-to-day needs and are, therefore, unable to come to work.

"We regret to inform you that our members will not be able to attend work as scheduled from April 19, 2023. This is due to the non-payment of their previous month's salaries and statutory deductions and occasional delays in salary payment, which has left them in a difficult financial situation. As a result, they are unable to meet their daily needs, including transportation, food, and accommodation expenses," the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union Secretary-General Dr Davji Atellah said in a statement.

However, the medics maintain that their not showing up for work is not a strike notice, but a demonstration of the inability of their members to work due to a lack of resources.

"We recognize that the provision of quality healthcare is critical to our nation, and we remain committed to fulfilling our obligations to patients and the community at large. However, we cannot continue to work under such conditions, as it has become increasingly difficult for our members to meet their basic needs. We urge you to urgently address this matter and ensure that our members receive their salaries on time to avoid further disruption of services,"

The twelve counties that will be affected by the decision include Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyamira, Kisii, Murang'a, Nyeri, Laikipia, Bomet, Nyandarua, Embu, Vihiga, and Taita Taveta.

In January this year, KMPDU issued a strike notice that has since been suspended as the Government agreed to meet their demands. They however promised to down their tools if the government does not meet its end of the bargain.

One of their demands was the payment of salaries on time. The Government however promised to pay all medics by the fifth of every month.

President William Ruto on April 11 admitted that March 2023 marked the first time in Kenya's history that civil servants' salaries were delayed to almost mid-month but that the issue will be resolved soon.