The Nandi County government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentist Union (KMPDU) have struck a deal to promote 71 doctors by Monday next week to prevent the planned industrial action slated for November 8th.
According to the North Rift KMPDU Chairperson, Dr. Darwin Ambuka, they decided to give dialogue a chance following the good will and efforts shown by the County administration.
Speaking at a Kapsabet hotel, Dr. Ambuka said they will only call off the strike if the county implements the doctors CBA 2017–2021, adding that doctors have stayed for a long time without promotions.
“Our members have been waiting for promotions for several years now. If the agreed promotions are not done by Monday, doctors will withdraw their services in all public health facilities effective Wednesday, November 8, 2023,” he said.
The officials called upon the county government to improve not only the doctors’ welfare but also that of nurses and community health workers.
Edwin Rono, one of the Executive members of KMPDU, said they are happy with the deliberations but cautious because of the history they have had with the county government.
“The strike is still on. We will have strike if those letters are not issued by Monday morning. Until we get those letters and they are effected on pay slip, that’s when we will be satisfied and call off the strike,” he said.
On the issue of drugs, the officials commended the County administration saying they have really tried to stock drugs in most of the health facilities and calling on other counties to emulate the same.
Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Health (CECM) Ruth Koech noted that the process of issuing out promotion letters has already begun, adding that Governor Stephen Sang’s administration has put health matters as a priority according to his agenda.
She said the county government received the strike notice, but they are working around the clock to ensure most of the issues raised are solved within the stipulated time.
“There is nothing to worry about; letters of promotion to doctors are being sorted out, as well as other concern raised, our main focus is to improve health services to locals,” said the CECM.
By Linet Wafula
