The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has decided to postpone the demonstrations originally planned for Tuesday, May 7. KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah conveyed in a letter to union members that the peaceful protests would be rescheduled to an undisclosed date.
This postponement aims to facilitate ongoing negotiations between the union and the government regarding doctors’ grievances.
“This decision comes in light of ongoing negotiation that has been scheduled for today, 7th May 2024, at 10:00 am. We believe that engaging in the negotiation is crucial in addressing the concerns and grievances that led to the planned demonstration,” said Dr Atellah.
“The union remains committed to keeping you updated on any developments regarding the negotiations and the rescheduled date for the demonstration.”
Since March 14, doctors have been on strike, citing the government’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) regarding medical interns and labor terms. Despite ongoing negotiations involving the Ministry of Health, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and the Head of Public Service, no resolution has been reached.
The government’s proposed offer of Ksh.70,000 for medical interns, significantly lower than the Ksh.206,000 stipulated in the CBA, has been rejected by the doctors.
Saturday’s talks culminated in the doctors walking out on the government.
