KMPDU warns counties over non-compliance with return-to-work formula

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to three counties over failure to implement various 2024 agreements.

KMPDU has put on notice Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties over the May 2024 return-to-work formula and the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The return-to-work formula was signed between the union, the national and county governments, and the Council of Governors, marking the end of a 56-day nationwide strike.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atella said that a review of the agreement during a meeting with South Rift branch members in Nakuru revealed non-compliance.

“Despite the strike and agreements which were deposited in court, the three counties have been non-committal in implementing their side of the bargain,” said Dr Atella.

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He said Nakuru county government had not honoured the agreement on employment and promotion of doctors.

The KMPDU Secretary General claimed that Laikipia county had casualised employment terms of doctors, failed to effect promotions and honour basic wages and medical cover.

“In Kajiado County, things are even worse. Doctors up to today cannot enjoy medical coverage, and their Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions are not being remitted,” said Atella.

“Doctors’ loans and wages are not remitted on time. This is a big shame for counties to have workers who are not valued,” he added.

The union members voted to allow the county governments a seven-day period to implement and respond to their grievances failure to which they will issue a strike notice.

“Nakuru, Kajiado, and Laikipia counties have a week to honour the agreements that we had with them in full,” said Atella.

KMPDU warned that failure by the three counties to address their grievances will see the doctors down tools on May 24, 2025.

“Doctors will remain on strike until all their demands are met. It is an injustice for consultants in Nakuru to be paid like interns and casualised in Laikipia,” he said.

Atella regretted that doctors in Kajiado county are attending to patients despite going without pay.

“The counties went to slumberland immediately after the court orders were delivered. They have not cared for the doctors, and we shall not care anymore. We have always given dialogue a chance but this time we shall take action until these demands are implemented,” he said.