EMBU, Kenya – A stalemate persists between the Embu County Department of Health and the KMPDU Embu branch after a scheduled meeting failed to break the deadlock in the ongoing doctors’ strike, now in its 11th day.
The medics have been protesting in the streets, demanding action on long-standing grievances.
The union cites failure by the county to remit statutory deductions, lack of promotions, and delayed salary increments as key triggers of the strike.
KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah accused the county of making “fake promises” for the past two years, warning that the health sector is at risk as more specialists leave in search of better opportunities.
“We have lost 12 consultants in the last year because the county government is not willing to honour its promises. Four more are also leaving,” he said.
Miskellah added that 19 specialists are being underpaid, receiving salaries meant for general practitioners despite serving in specialist roles.
The Embu County Government, however, dismissed the claims. County Secretary and Head of Public Service Amy Ruria termed the medics’ demands unrealistic, saying they were pushing for post-dated promotion letters, which she argued is unlawful.
“The medics want post-written promotion letters, and that cannot happen. That is why they have vowed to continue with their strike,” Ruria said.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Jamal Runyenje, countered Miskellah’s statement on the alleged exodus of specialists, insisting that most of them had retired, not resigned.
“It’s not true that we have lost 12 specialists. That’s a lie. Some of those specialists actually retired,” Runyenje said.
He further defended the county’s performance, noting that Governor Mbarire had significantly reduced a health department debt from Sh588 million to Sh124 million since assuming office.
Runyenje maintained that substantial progress had been made over the past three years and assured that remaining issues would be addressed before the week’s end.
Runyenje however, issued a warning to the striking workers that they risk not receiving salaries if they don’t report to work by Monday. “If they don’t resume work by Monday, they will not be paid.” Runyenje warned
