NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan doctors have issued a stern ultimatum to the government, threatening a nationwide strike in December over delayed salary adjustments and deteriorating working conditions.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), criticized the government for failing to implement agreed salary scales, despite a seven-month window to do so.
“We will not entertain any more dialogue or goodwill gestures. Seven months of broken promises is enough,” declared Atellah. He emphasized that the government must fully implement agreements ratified as court orders. “This time, it’s about action, not negotiation.”
The union will make its final strike decision during a national delegates conference scheduled for November 30 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
The event will convene doctors from both public and private sectors to address the unresolved grievances and potentially issue the strike notice.
“If the government fails to act, it will bear full responsibility for the lives lost during the shutdown,” warned Atellah.
He criticized authorities for disregarding past agreements and neglecting court orders, adding that the strike would expose the systemic failures undermining Kenya’s healthcare sector.
The union also highlighted the recent deaths of two intern doctors, incidents Dr. Atellah attributed to the government’s neglect.
In September, Dr. Desiree Moraa, stationed at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was found dead at her residence. Another young pharmacist from Thika Level 5 Hospital passed away this week.
“These were bright, dedicated young professionals whose lives were cut short by the government’s indifference,” said Atellah. “Intern doctors have been overworked, underpaid, and left to endure inhumane conditions while shouldering the burden of implementing universal health coverage.”
In response to the worsening situation, KMPDU has ordered all intern doctors to stay home immediately.
The union accused the government of exploiting interns to maintain healthcare services while denying them the support and benefits needed to perform their duties safely.
“Our goodwill has been mistaken for weakness,” Atellah said, adding that the government’s failure to prioritize healthcare workers’ welfare undermines Kenya’s universal health coverage goals.
The upcoming strike would follow a 56-day industrial action that ended in May, during which doctors demanded better pay, working conditions, and adherence to staffing norms.
The Ministry of Health had pledged to address these concerns, but progress has stalled, leaving the healthcare sector in a precarious state.
Dr. Atellah’s remarks reflect growing frustration among healthcare professionals.
“The government is quick to impose taxes but fails to deliver on critical services,” he said, pointing to a systemic failure in prioritizing health sector reforms.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), criticized the government for failing to implement agreed salary scales, despite a seven-month window to do so.
“We will not entertain any more dialogue or goodwill gestures. Seven months of broken promises is enough,” declared Atellah. He emphasized that the government must fully implement agreements ratified as court orders. “This time, it’s about action, not negotiation.”
The union will make its final strike decision during a national delegates conference scheduled for November 30 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
The event will convene doctors from both public and private sectors to address the unresolved grievances and potentially issue the strike notice.
“If the government fails to act, it will bear full responsibility for the lives lost during the shutdown,” warned Atellah.
He criticized authorities for disregarding past agreements and neglecting court orders, adding that the strike would expose the systemic failures undermining Kenya’s healthcare sector.
The union also highlighted the recent deaths of two intern doctors, incidents Dr. Atellah attributed to the government’s neglect.
In September, Dr. Desiree Moraa, stationed at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was found dead at her residence. Another young pharmacist from Thika Level 5 Hospital passed away this week.
“These were bright, dedicated young professionals whose lives were cut short by the government’s indifference,” said Atellah. “Intern doctors have been overworked, underpaid, and left to endure inhumane conditions while shouldering the burden of implementing universal health coverage.”
In response to the worsening situation, KMPDU has ordered all intern doctors to stay home immediately.
The union accused the government of exploiting interns to maintain healthcare services while denying them the support and benefits needed to perform their duties safely.
“Our goodwill has been mistaken for weakness,” Atellah said, adding that the government’s failure to prioritize healthcare workers’ welfare undermines Kenya’s universal health coverage goals.
The upcoming strike would follow a 56-day industrial action that ended in May, during which doctors demanded better pay, working conditions, and adherence to staffing norms.
The Ministry of Health had pledged to address these concerns, but progress has stalled, leaving the healthcare sector in a precarious state.
Dr. Atellah’s remarks reflect growing frustration among healthcare professionals.
“The government is quick to impose taxes but fails to deliver on critical services,” he said, pointing to a systemic failure in prioritizing health sector reforms.
