The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) criticised Moses Kuria, Kenya's Public Service Cabinet Secretary, for his recent comments undermining the doctors' strike.
Dr Abidan Mwachi, the National Chair of KMPDU, affirmed the union's determination to continue its industrial action despite reaching its 45th day.
KMPDU reiterated its demands for the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), citing the government's failure to fulfil its obligations.
In an interview with KTN News, Dr Mwachi expressed disappointment over the government's attempt to impose a pre-drafted CBA, labelling it as "petulance".
KMPDU dismissed the proposal to introduce annual contracts for civil servants, urging a focus on resolving existing issues.
“We should stop looking at semantics and nomenclature, the correct term should be that doctors and the rest of the public and civil servants are employed in an open-ended contract… focus on the issues at hand, as we even have floods that are ravaging and doctors are out of work,” stated Mwachi.
Public Service CS Moses Kuria refused to meet doctors' demands for a pay increase, asserting his stance against it.
"I am for practicality, I am for realism, I am not for sugar coating. I will not pay interns Ksh206,000. Take it from me, as long as I am the minister for Public Service nothing like that will happen (hakuna kitu kama hiyo itaendelea) because what am I going to say to other people who went to school also? What will I tell engineers (Nitaambia nini Engineers)?" Kuria posed.
Kuria defended his position, questioning the fairness of such a substantial salary increase for doctors compared to other professions.
He rejected the notion of succumbing to "psychological warfare", emphasising practicality over sentimentality.
"Hapana. This psychological warfare that has been going on, go lie to someone else (wadanganye mwingine). I was also an A student."
Doctors rejected the government's offer, insisting on addressing the crucial issue of intern placements.
KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah asserted the union's commitment to protecting interns, considered vulnerable in the dispute.
CS Kuria dismissed KMPDU's advice, asserting confidence in his advisors' counsel.
Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru urged doctors to end the strike, citing resolved issues and potential consequences if the strike persists.
KMPDU challenged authorities to provide evidence and take legal action against any wrongdoing while respecting judicial processes.
The ongoing dispute exacerbates the healthcare crisis, with lives at risk due to prolonged strike action.
