Strike notice still on, union says

A section of medics protest in Nairobi on January 15, 2024. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has reiterated that doctors will down their tools if the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is not implemented.

In a statement on Wednesday, KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah said the union was concerned about the disregard by the government of the CBA.

"Unless the issues herein are resolved within seven days of the date hereof, I have been directed by the highest decision-making organ of the Union to commence a strike and further maintain said industrial action until the issues are resolved," said Atellah.

"The said industrial action will see the withdrawal of services by medical practitioners, pharmacists, and dentists in all institutions under the Ministry of Health and the County Governments throughout the Republic."

Additionally, the union has also demanded a refund of the deducted housing levy, terming it unconstitutional and illegal.

Atella wants all doctors within counties on discriminatory contractual terms to be on permanent and pensionable terms.

The union has also called for the conversion of the employment terms of the 113 medical officers hired by Nairobi City County under discriminatory contractual terms to permanent and pensionable terms.

KMPDU on Monday this week issued a seven-day strike notice demanding the posting of medical interns and promotions, among other issues.