The government has presented a new offer of Sh6.1 billion to address the demands of doctors, but the striking medics are holding firm until the issue of posting interns is resolved.
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha stated on Tuesday that the Ministry had received Sh6.1 billion to settle the issues raised by doctors and warned that they would move to court if the strike continued.
“We have received a total of Sh6.1 billion to settle the issues raised by doctors,” she said. “If the doctors refuse to call off the strike, we will instruct our counsel to move to court immediately and file the status report.”
The doctors have been on strike for 41 days, paralyzing service provision across public health facilities since March 14, 2024.
Although 18 of the 19 issues raised by the doctors had been resolved according to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the signing of a return-to-work formula was delayed due to the doctors’ representatives being held up in a briefing meeting with their council.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union SG Davji Atellah insisted that all demands, especially regarding internships, must be met.
“The doctors are saying that since you have publicly conceded to 18 of our 19 demands (except internship), kindly take back the 18 and give us the one,” Atellah said.
Nakhumicha stated that they would seek a review of the court order preventing action against striking medics during negotiations.
“We will ask our counsel to appeal to the court to review the orders so that we can take necessary action to ensure Kenyans continue to enjoy healthcare services,” she affirmed.
Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru urged striking doctors to resume duty, warning that counties would take necessary action if they did not.
“We have given in to everything, and still, we are at this place for no good reason,” Waiguru said.
The issue of posting interns is a sticking point, as it falls under the national government’s purview, not the counties’.
Governors, stakeholders, and KMPDU representatives have been in talks since March 21, with the latest round occurring over the past weekend.
Nakhumicha and Waiguru spoke after a second round of meetings on Tuesday, attempting to salvage the negotiations.
This Sh6.1 billion offer is the second rejected by doctors, who seek higher monthly pay and other benefits.
