Amidst an ongoing and tumultuous healthcare crisis, the number of counties taking a firm stand against striking doctors has escalated to five, signalling a tougher approach toward resolving the prolonged industrial action....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Kiambu, Kakamega, Kisumu, and Tharaka Nithi have now joined Nyeri County in their resolve to terminate the employment of doctors who fail to return to work in the coming week.
In a recent development, Nyeri County has set a precedent by dismissing 60 doctors who had participated in the strike, taking immediate steps to fill the resultant vacancies.
Governor Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi made his stance clear with a stern directive issued on Friday, April 12. He ordered all striking doctors and clinical officers to resume work by Monday, April 15, or risk losing their jobs. This directive also applies to those affiliated with previously unrecognised unions.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi announced a halt in salary payments to any doctor still engaging in the strike, adding that new job postings will soon be announced to replace non-compliant healthcare workers.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nhakumicha (left) and Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru. Meanwhile, Kakamega’s approach under Governor Fernandes Barasa has been just as uncompromising.
Striking doctors were given until 8 am on Friday, April 12, to return to their duties or face immediate dismissal. “All striking doctors must report to their respective working stations tomorrow by 8 am and resume their duties without fail,” Barasa warned, asserting the availability of qualified doctors ready to take their places.
Kisumu County has adopted a strategy of financial penalties, with Governor Anyang Nyong’o affirming that doctors who fail to report for duty will not receive their salaries. The county insists this adheres to the Labour Relations Act, emphasizing accountability and the necessity of uninterrupted service delivery.
This wave of declarations came after a call from the Council of Governors on March 27, urging striking doctors to return to work or face disciplinary actions, as per earlier court orders issued in March.
The medical professionals have been on strike since March 6, following a series of unmet demands which include delayed postings of interns, extension of contracts for Universal Health Coverage staff, and non-payment of agreed-upon arrears under the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Despite ongoing negotiations and the establishment of a ‘Whole of the Nation’ committee by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria aimed at resolving the impasse, the Kenya Medical, Pharmacist, and Dentist Union (KMPDU) has vowed to continue the strike until all their demands are fully addressed.
The strike has severely impacted service delivery across the affected counties, with patients bearing the brunt of the healthcare paralysis. As the crisis enters its 30th day, the stakes are higher than ever, with more counties potentially aligning with the five hardline regions unless a resolution is found soon.
As both sides dig in, the path to a resolution remains fraught with challenges. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if more healthcare workers will face the axe in an already strained system..<<CONTINUE READING>>
