The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a strike notice to 11 counties due to delays in the payment of salaries for July and August.
The counties affected by this notice include Lamu, Kakamega, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kirinyaga, Samburu, Nakuru, and Mandera.
The union has warned of an imminent strike if the outstanding salaries are not paid promptly, adding to the ongoing frustrations faced by healthcare workers in Kenya.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah addressed the media on August 24, 2024, highlighting the union's dissatisfaction with the current situation.
According to Dr. Atellah, the doctors and other healthcare professionals have not received their salaries for two months, despite their dedication to serving the public under challenging conditions.
He emphasized that this delay in payments has not been justified by the county administrations, leaving the healthcare workers in financial uncertainty.
The strike notice comes in the wake of a previous return-to-work agreement between the KMPDU, county governments, and the national government.
This agreement was expected to ensure the timely payment of salaries and resolve other issues affecting healthcare workers.
However, Dr. Atellah expressed disappointment, noting that the government has failed to honour its commitments, leading to continued grievances among the union members.
In addition to the strike notice issued to the 11 counties, the KMPDU has also served a 14-day strike notice to doctors in Nandi and Mombasa counties.
This action is in response to the failure of these counties to pay the March and April salaries, which were withheld during a previous strike despite a court order mandating their release.
Dr. Atellah criticized the counties' inaction, stating that they had ample time to address these outstanding payments but have instead chosen to disregard the court's directive.
“The money ought to have been paid in July and August, but nothing has been forthcoming,” Dr. Atellah said during the press briefing.
He further explained that the affected counties have claimed they are yet to receive funds from the national government, which has added to the delays.
However, the KMPDU's patience is wearing thin, and the union is prepared to take legal action against the government for contempt if the payments are not made soon.
The delayed payments have put immense pressure on healthcare workers, who are already dealing with difficult working conditions.
Many of these professionals have been tirelessly working on the front lines, providing essential services despite the financial and emotional strain caused by the lack of salaries.
The KMPDU's decision to issue a strike notice reflects the growing frustration among healthcare workers and their demand for immediate action.
Dr. Atellah stressed that the union does not want to disrupt healthcare services but feels compelled to act to protect the rights and welfare of its members.
He urged the national and county governments to prioritize the payment of salaries and fulfil their commitments under the return-to-work agreement. The KMPDU has made it clear that it will not hesitate to escalate its actions if the government fails to address the salary delays.