Ruto meets KMPDU officials, promises lasting solutions to end industrial strikes

President William Ruto has today met with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union-KMPDU officials at State House Nairobi.

The meeting which comes a few days after the end of the doctor’s industrial strike aimed at de-escalating tensions that have persisted between the union and the government through the Health Ministry.

Doctors, represented by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), have been on strike for 48 days, seeking the implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017.

Last month, Ruto urged the doctors to go back to work, saying the government did not have money to pay them.

Instead, Ruto said the doctors and other healthcare workers must learn to live within their means.

Speaking during the 59th Labour Day celebrations at  Uhuru Gardens, Ruto reiterated that the government had addressed most of the demands by medics.

"While the right to engage in industrial action is protected by the Constitution and labor laws, it should be exercised responsibly, with due regard to the wellbeing of the public,” said Ruto.

He urged all parties to act in good faith and prioritise the needs of citizens.

After today’s meeting, Ruto said the meeting is in line with his administration’s commitment of ensuring consistent address to the persistent human resource challenges that slow down the realisation of Universal Health Coverage well known as the UHC.

“The government will continually engage stakeholders in the health sector, including health workers' unions, to promote industrial harmony and long-lasting solutions to the challenges,” SAID Ruto.

On its part, the union committed to championing and supporting the universal healthcare agenda and the rolling out of social health insurance to all Kenyans.

KMPDU was represented by Secretary General Davji Atellah.

Others present at the meeting were Health of Public Service Felix Kosgei, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and Principal Secretary in the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni.