Call off strike and give dialogue a chance

The paralysis of health services in most facilities around the country has painted picture of pain, anguish and misery.

The decision by doctors and nurses to go on strike was in contravention of a court order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court. The court had ordered the union to put the strike on hold for 90 days. This was to allow the case filed by Council of Governors to be heard and determined.

The governors wanted the impending strike declared illegal and unconstitutional and doctors compelled to give dialogue a chance.

The intervention was well understood. They knew if the medics finally down their tools, the spotlight would be turned on them. This is because the the Constitution places the management of the health sector directly on their shoulders. It is worth noting when Jubilee came to power, the transitional mechanisms that would see health functions and others devolved were immediately set up.

I have listened keenly to the narrative of a section of opposition leaders. They want Kenyans to believe that President Uhuru Kenyatta is to blame for the health crisis.

I disagree. Even though the Constitution did not grant him explicit power to handle these matters, the President has always stepped out to address the crisis. He would challenge the governors to take seriously their constitutional mandate.

The Health ministry has has asked the doctors to return to work and give dialogue a chance and they should heed his call considering they started their strike before the 90 days given by the Employment and Labour Relations Court elapsed.