The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has reiterated the government’s stance that it cannot afford to pay medical interns Ksh.206,000 per month, urging the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to accept the terms set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
While KMPDU insists on the Ksh.206,000 stipulated in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the government is adamant about offering a maximum of Ksh.70,000 in line with SRC recommendations.
Koskei emphasized the financial constraints, stating, “The government has no money, there is no money to pay Ksh.206,000, let them take the Ksh.70,000 that is on offer.”
The ongoing doctors’ strike, now in its one-month mark, showcases the deadlock between KMPDU and the government, with both sides refusing to compromise on their positions.
Despite government warnings and threats of dismissal, medics continue to stand firm, with KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah asserting, “There is no amount of intimidation, threats, that will make doctors go back to work …only the CBA will ensure they go back to work.”
As the crisis persists, the Kenya Clinical Officers Union (KUCO) is set to escalate matters further by withdrawing all essential services from next week.
