'We will enforce justice': Doctors issue strike ultimatum to counties

Doctors have threatened to strike if Nakuru, Laikipia and Kajiado counties fail to implement their part of a labour deal by May 24.

Speaking during the South Rift Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Nakuru on Saturday, Dr Davji Atellah, secretary general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), said counties had been given a red notice to fully honour the May 2024 Return-to-Work Formula and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

“We will no longer wait for justice; we will enforce it,” said Atellah, warning that healthcare services would be paralysed if the counties ignored the deadline.

Atellah noted progress had been made nationally, especially regarding arrears, internship placements, postgraduate training, promotions and medical insurance, but accused some counties of “blatantly” violating the agreement.

“We commend the Ministry of Health for renewed momentum under the new Cabinet secretary in resolving long-standing issues,” noted Atellah.

The dispute stems from commitments made after the doctors’ strike in early 2024, which ended when the government signed the Return-to-Work Formula and CBA.

 The union says delays in posting medical interns and other labour issues have remained a sticking point.

Newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently pledged that the posting of medical interns would begin on July 1.

Duale said the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) would manage the process.

The assurance followed a meeting on April 10, between Duale and health union leaders, where both parties agreed to resolve doctors’ pay arrears and the intern posting issue within two weeks.