NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued an ultimatum to the government, threatening to launch the second phase of a nationwide strike in December if their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) remains unfulfilled.
Speaking during the union’s annual general meeting for the Nyanza region in Kisii, KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah accused the government of reneging on commitments outlined in the CBA, which was also deposited in court.
“The government has failed to honour the agreement despite the numerous challenges facing medical practitioners. If they do not comply by November 30, we will have no choice but to strike. 2024 will go down in history as the year KMPDU went on strike twice,” Dr. Atellah stated.
The union also signaled an immediate warning for Migori County, where healthcare workers are poised to begin industrial action within 14 days unless urgent measures are taken.
“We are sending a warning shot to Migori County and the six counties in the region. A strike is imminent if the issues affecting our members are not addressed,” said Nyanza KMPDU Chairman, Dr. Steve Ndong’a.
Among the grievances raised by the union are delayed job promotions, unpaid interns, and a demand for increased basic salaries.
The KMPDU argues that these persistent issues have strained healthcare workers, who remain the backbone of the country’s healthcare system.
The Kisii meeting convened practitioners from Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties, all of whom voiced frustration over the government’s failure to address their concerns.
This latest strike threat adds pressure to a government already grappling with significant healthcare challenges.
The looming industrial action threatens to paralyze services across public hospitals, further straining a system critical to millions of Kenyans.
With less than two months to the deadline, the KMPDU has made its position clear: it’s now up to the government to act decisively or face yet another disruption in the country’s healthcare system
Speaking during the union’s annual general meeting for the Nyanza region in Kisii, KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah accused the government of reneging on commitments outlined in the CBA, which was also deposited in court.
“The government has failed to honour the agreement despite the numerous challenges facing medical practitioners. If they do not comply by November 30, we will have no choice but to strike. 2024 will go down in history as the year KMPDU went on strike twice,” Dr. Atellah stated.
The union also signaled an immediate warning for Migori County, where healthcare workers are poised to begin industrial action within 14 days unless urgent measures are taken.
“We are sending a warning shot to Migori County and the six counties in the region. A strike is imminent if the issues affecting our members are not addressed,” said Nyanza KMPDU Chairman, Dr. Steve Ndong’a.
Among the grievances raised by the union are delayed job promotions, unpaid interns, and a demand for increased basic salaries.
The KMPDU argues that these persistent issues have strained healthcare workers, who remain the backbone of the country’s healthcare system.
The Kisii meeting convened practitioners from Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties, all of whom voiced frustration over the government’s failure to address their concerns.
This latest strike threat adds pressure to a government already grappling with significant healthcare challenges.
The looming industrial action threatens to paralyze services across public hospitals, further straining a system critical to millions of Kenyans.
With less than two months to the deadline, the KMPDU has made its position clear: it’s now up to the government to act decisively or face yet another disruption in the country’s healthcare system
