Kenyan Doctors' Strike Enters 42nd Day as Deadlock with Government Persists

The nationwide strike by Kenyan doctors has entered its 42nd day, with negotiations between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) reaching a deadlock.

The strike, which began on March 14, 2024, has paralyzed healthcare services across the country, leaving millions of Kenyans without access to medical care in public hospitals.

The main point of contention is the issue of intern doctors' salaries. The government has offered to pay intern doctors a monthly stipend of 70,000 Kenyan shillings ($520), but the KMPDU is demanding 206,000 shillings ($1,500) per month, as stipulated in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah stated, "The 2017 CBA gives doctors a legal mandate to claim what they are entitled to, including the pay for medical interns. The issue of internship compensation is non-negotiable."

The government claims to have addressed 18 out of the 19 demands raised by the doctors, including securing funds for salary arrears, internships, and postgraduate training. However, the KMPDU remains defiant, rejecting the government's return-to-work offer due to the disagreement on intern doctors' salaries. The union has vowed to escalate its protests until the 2017 CBA is fully implemented.

The prolonged strike has severely impacted healthcare services, with patients struggling to access care from expensive private hospitals. Some patients have even lost their lives due to the lack of doctors in public hospitals. The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA) has threatened legal action against the government, citing the right to health as a fundamental right.

Why this matters: The ongoing doctors' strike in Kenya highlights the challenges in the country's healthcare system and the importance of resolving disputes between healthcare workers and the government. The deadlock has raised concerns about Kenya's progress towards achieving universal health coverage and the effectiveness of governance in addressing critical issues affecting public welfare.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei accused the doctors of flouting court orders and backtracking on agreements reached during the meetings. "The government has received 6.1 billion Kenyan shillings to address the issues raised by the striking doctors, but the doctors have refused to call off the strike," Koskei said. The Council of Governors has appealed to the striking doctors, take, offer to resume their duties, stating that each county is prepared to take necessary action if the doctors fail to comply.

Key Takeaways

• Kenyan doctors' nationwide strike enters 42nd day, negotiations deadlocked
• Dispute over intern doctors' salaries: govt offers $520/month, union demands $1,500
• Strike paralyzes healthcare, patients struggle to access care, some deaths reported
• Govt claims to have addressed 18 of 19 demands, but union rejects return-to-work offer
• Strike highlights challenges in Kenya's healthcare system, progress towards universal coverage