President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday held a meeting with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in continuing efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing strike by doctors.
During the negotiations held at State House in Mombasa, the government tabled several offers in a bid to convince the striking practitioners to resume their duties.
1. In recognition of their professional training, the government offered to raise the entry level grade for doctors to Job Group “M” from Job Group “L” which is higher than the normal entry level for other public servants.
2. Additionally, the minimum gross salary for entry level doctors was increased from the current KSh 140,244 to KSh 196,989.
The increase, according to the offer, would be split into Enhanced Emergency Call allowance and new Doctors’ Risk allowance at a flat rate of Sh10,000 per month.
For Enhanced Emergency Call allowance, the doctors would receive an:
a) Increase to KSh 66,000 from the current KSh 30,000 for Job Group L - an increase of more than 100 per cent.
b) Increase to KSh 72,000 from KSh 30,000 for Job Groups M-P - also an increase of much more than 100 per cent.
c) Increase to KSh 80,000 from KSh 30,000 for Job Groups Q and above.
3. At the same time, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equity in the nationwide distribution of doctors; continuous training, and a standard framework of employment across counties – including mechanisms for transfer of doctors and promotions.
Led by KMPDU Chairman Dr Samuel Oroko and Secretary-General Dr Ouma Oluga, the doctors promised to consult with their members before responding on Friday.
