The government has called on doctors to return to the negotiation table, expressing readiness to address the issues raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Speaking at a press conference, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura reiterated the state’s commitment to protecting the health of Kenyans.
“Even though the matter of the intern doctors is in court, we are willing to negotiate to safeguard the health and lives of Kenyans,” Mwaura stated.
Doctors, however, have maintained their stance to proceed with a nationwide strike on December 1, citing the government’s failure to honor the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) signed on May 8.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah on Wednesday criticized the government for failing to implement agreed salary scales within the seven-month timeline.
“This time, we will not entertain the spirit of dialogue,” Atellah declared. “We say this without fear of contradiction: when we call the strike, nobody should approach us with talks of goodwill or negotiations. Seven months is far too long for empty promises. It’s time to implement the agreements signed and adopted as court orders.”
Atellah revealed that an official strike announcement will be made on November 30 during a national delegates’ conference at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. The conference will bring together doctors from both public and private sectors to plan the way forward.
“We acknowledge that it will be a difficult time, but the government must take full responsibility for failing to honor agreements and court orders,” Atellah emphasized.
He further cautioned that the government would bear the blame for any loss of lives during the planned total shutdown in December, urging authorities to act swiftly to avert the crisis.
