The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in parliament has rebuked county governments for their handling of the ongoing doctors' strike, which entered its fourth week today, exacerbating concerns over the nation's healthcare system.
Lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response to the health crisis, which has led to widespread disruptions in medical services across the country.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah criticised the devolution of health services in 2010, stating, "We did a great injustice not just to medical professionals but Kenyans." He questioned why county governments, which have reportedly underutilised their budgets, struggle to meet doctors' demands.
"The Council of Governors must ensure hospitals have qualified doctors and interns aren't overworked," Ichung'wah emphasised.
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi criticised the government's approach, warning that the issue is unlikely to be resolved swiftly. "The manner we are treating it is likely not to go away," Wandayi stated during parliamentary proceedings.
While responding to President William Ruto's position for the government to implement the CBA in phases due to financial constraints, Wandayi stated, “Either honour the CBA in letter and spirit or review it with the concurrence of the doctors.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) continued their demonstration on Tuesday, staging demonstrations outside the Ministry of Health and Parliament, demanding Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha's resignation and full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
While divisions persist between the government and opposition legislators on how to address the strike, Wandayi urged parliament to intervene urgently. "This House must come in to address the issue, regardless of who is in the wrong," he asserted.
The Whole Nation Approach ordered by the Labour and Employment Court is yet to yield results.
The Council of Governors which has received criticism from legislators, had threatened to dismiss striking doctors, with some governors already issuing dismissal directives.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County directed the dismissal of doctors who failed to report to work on April 4.
The doctors ceased providing emergency services at public hospitals on March 14, defying a court order to engage in talks with the Health Ministry.
