The deadlock between the government and striking doctors remains unbroken, with tensions escalating despite the government's overnight release of Ksh2.4 billion for the recruitment of interns.
The move, aimed at alleviating the ongoing healthcare crisis, has been dismissed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) as insufficient, signalling that the strike is far from over.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday evening, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah rebuffed the government's efforts, stating, "The strike is on. I think it is on more than before," noting the union's determination to press on with their demands.
As the strike enters its 21st day on Wednesday, April 3, the Employment and Labour Relations Court is scheduled to convene to assess the progress of negotiations within the health sector.
In response to mounting pressure, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the allocation of funds to facilitate the deployment of intern doctors.
While this move offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the crisis, it may not be sufficient to sway the striking doctors and clinical officers who have brought public hospitals to a standstill.
Koskei outlined the government's efforts, stating, "Facilitated the payment of basic salary arrears...Secured the necessary budgetary support of Ksh2.4 billion to facilitate the immediate deployment and posting of the 2023/24 cohort of junior doctors."
Despite the government's assertions, reports continue to emerge of a surge in fatalities at major referral hospitals nationwide, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Koskei implored the doctors to suspend the strike as a goodwill gesture to facilitate court-mediated negotiations.
However, Atellah dismissed the government's overtures as mere theatrics designed to appease the court. "Where we are now, they are just schemes to hoodwink the court to say that things are working," he lamented.
Despite Koskei's plea for the suspension of the strike to facilitate negotiations, Atellah dismissed the government's gestures as mere theatrics designed to appease the court.
In a statement addressed to President William Ruto, Dr Abidan Mwachi, Chairman of KMPDU, stressed the importance of fully honouring the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and meeting the demands of health workers.
"We decline these proposals in total. We believe that genuine governments should honour their Collective Bargaining Agreements," Dr Mwachi asserted, highlighting the doctors' steadfast commitment to their cause.
Echoing Dr Mwachi's sentiments, Atellah labelled the government's move as impunity, vowing not to relent until their demands are met.
"We refuse to tolerate impunity! With unwavering determination, our resolve surges. United in purpose, our strike gains momentum, intensifying tenfold as we advance towards a healthcare system rooted in fairness and justice," Atellah declared.
Ministry of Health Acting Director General Dr Patrick Amoth, in an interview with local media, reiterated the government's assertion of having settled the salary arrears stemming from the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
He disclosed that the funds had indeed been distributed to doctors.
However, Atellah contested Dr Amoth's claims, asserting that no union member had received any remuneration related to the CBA.
Despite the intervention of the Employment Court, which initially halted the strike to facilitate discussions, tangible progress remains elusive.
Justice Byram Ongaya expanded the conciliation committee to incorporate crucial stakeholders from various government ministries and organisations, yet discord prevails.
The KMPDU, representing over 7,000 members, initiated the strike on March 15, citing unpaid salary arrears and the urgent need to hire intern doctors. Their demands also include adequate medical insurance coverage and timely salary payments.
