Doctors in Nandi have issued a seven-day strike notice to the county government over delayed salaries.
The officials from Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) are demanding payment of February and March salaries and remittance of all accrued statutory deductions to various institutions.
Speaking in Kapsabet town, the officials led by KMPDU North rift Secretary General Dr. Kamonzi Mulei and Chairman Dr. Dawin Ambuka said from next week, patients seeking services of physicians and specialist should start looking for an alternative.
“We have raised this issue with those concerned but all we get are empty promises. We have given seven days to enable dialogue but if nothing comes forth we will move forward with our strike. It’s unfortunate for us to be treating patients yet we have no health cover,” said Dr Mulei.
The officials said the medics have endured persistent salary delays and some risk being evicted from their houses over rent arrears.
“With no money to pay rent, buy food, commute to duty station, pay school fees among other things, our members are demoralized causing them mental, physical and psychological anguish thus stunting provision of better services. Something must be done urgently,” pointed out Dr. Ambuka.
The medics who later marched to the county Government offices to deliver their petition also demanded the implementation of the 2017-2021 collective bargaining agreement signed with the council of governors.
“We have been called to a series of meetings with the hope that the issue will be resolved amicably but to no avail. We now hope they will get our message faster when services are withdrawn,” said Dr. Mulei.
Speaking at the county headquarters, Nandi County secretary Dr. Francis Sang attributed the current stalemate to delayed disbursement from the National Treasury saying Nandi County has not received any money for the last three months.
Dr. Sang said everyone was facing the same problem and not a preserve for doctors as the entire county establishment including the executive had salary delays.
By Linet Wafula
