Go back to work, Ruto tells striking doctors

Health & Science
By Stephanie Wangari | May 01, 2024

President William Ruto calls on leaders to work together and stop fighting, during the 59th Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. [Samson Wire, Standard]

President William Ruto has called on doctors to end their strike and ensure the continuation of essential services.

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

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.

"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.

The president further stressed the need for fiscal responsibility, stating, "We must tighten our belts and live within our means as a country to allocate more resources to address economic challenges. It is neither just nor reasonable for any group to make demands contrary to this imperative or exceed our economic capacity."

Some of the demands by doctors include the posting of intern doctors and a monthly salary of Sh206,000, among others.

However, the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001493004/ruto-was-honest-on-doctors-strike-says-atwoli">government argues that it cannot afford the Sh12 billion KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atella early in the week ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/health-science/article/2001494181/medics-no-amount-of-threats-will-force-us-to-end-the-strike#google_vignette">affirmed the union's commitment to the strike< until the government honors the CBA.

"As a union, we insist on continuing the strike until the government is prepared to implement the CBA and assign interns as stipulated in the agreement. We are not ready to renegotiate salary payments or tolerate CBA violations," said Atella.

The strike by medics is now in its 48th day.

Share this story
For Nairobi United to rise, mighty Gor Mahia had to fall
Nairobi United, also known as Naibois, completed a fairy-tale season on Sunday after stunning giants Gor Mahia 2-1 in the FKF Cup final at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
School Games: Onjiko banned for three years as Kisumu Day to face Kisumu Boys in semis replay
The verdict, issued by the County Director of Education’s office, followed investigations conducted between June 21 and June 24, confirming that Onjiko breached the KSSSA constitution.
Selestine and Karia swings to victory at Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu
Karia carded an impressive 41 stableford points to beat a strong field in the event that attracted top golfers from across the region.
Kibue crowned in Nakuru as Kaburu stars in Nyali
The Nakuru Golf Club, known for its excellence in golf, hosted the sixth edition of the Tee-Off with Crown Paints series, which was graced by a strong field of 168 golfers.
Champs Thunder silence KPA as Phoenix hit Eldonets in KBF ties
National Bank of Kenya Phoenix on Sunday beat Eldonets Platinum 60-51 in a Kenya Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League match played at Nyayo Gymnasium.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS