ELDORET, Kenyac- Doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret have called off their strike after reaching an agreement with the hospital’s management to address their grievances, which included job security, benefits, and unpaid statutory deductions.
The strike, which began on February 5, was prompted by claims that MTRH had failed to honor the terms of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had accused the hospital of imposing unfair and discriminatory contractual terms, leaving doctors without key benefits such as medical cover.
On Tuesday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah announced that talks with the hospital’s management had resulted in a return-to-work agreement.
“The issues that led to the strike have now been resolved, and the agreement will be fully implemented,” he said.
Under the deal, all doctors who have served on contract terms for more than a year will be transitioned to permanent and pensionable positions by April 30, 2025.
The remaining doctors will receive similar consideration in the next financial year.
MTRH also committed to halting the hiring of doctors on contract terms going forward and ensuring all current contract doctors are included in the hospital’s staff medical cover.
Additionally, the agreement mandates the immediate resolution of unpaid statutory deductions, which had seen some doctors blacklisted by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
The hospital will remit all outstanding third-party deductions by April 30, 2025, and will be responsible for any penalties accrued due to the delay.
In a bid to improve career progression, doctors who applied for competitive promotions will be interviewed on February 11 and 12, with successful candidates receiving their promotion letters immediately.
These promotions will be reflected in the February payroll, and the effective date for all promotions has been set for February 2025. Moving forward, internal promotions will be conducted annually.
With the strike now over, normal operations at MTRH are expected to resume immediately.
