Doctors in Machakos County have urged patients to prepare to seek healthcare services in neighboring counties as their 14-day strike notice nears its October 8 deadline. The medical professionals have vowed to down their tools on Tuesday if the county government fails to address their demands, which were outlined in a letter to County Secretary Muia Ndambuki two weeks ago.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Lower Eastern branch chairman, Dr. Charles Okumu, advised patients to seek alternative healthcare if possible. “This is a forewarning because we care about you. We don’t want to see a situation where you are stuck on Tuesday next week,” he said during a press briefing at Machakos Level 5 Hospital on Saturday.
Dr. Okumu was joined by officials from the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers and the Kenya Public Health Union. They have been pressing the county government to fulfill promises that have gone unmet. Despite ongoing efforts to engage Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration, little progress has been made over the past two years.
“We are concerned that the county government hasn’t taken serious action to prevent patients from suffering once the notice lapses,” Dr. Okumu remarked. He further explained that the issues they face have persisted since the previous administration, with the current government failing to deliver on memoranda aimed at resolving the challenges facing doctors, clinical officers, nurses, laboratory technicians, and public health officers.
“Our grievances, including delayed promotions, re-designation of specialists, comprehensive medical cover, and allowances, have not been addressed. Some of these issues don’t require funds but simply retooling and proper designation,” Dr. Okumu added, expressing frustration at the county’s inaction.
In response to the doctors’ strike notice, Machakos County Secretary Muia Ndambuki acknowledged receipt of the 14-day warning from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU). He confirmed that the notice is set to expire a day after October 8, effectively making October 9 the critical date.
“I confirm that my office received a notice for strike from the doctors. The expiration date according to that letter should be a day after the eighth of this month, that’s October 9. I’m pretty disturbed by the presser issued by the doctors on downing tools,” Ndambuki stated.
He emphasized that the county government has always maintained open communication with the doctors and made efforts to reach agreements on their concerns. “Our doctors know well that we have always engaged with them. We have always discussed the issues and arrived at some levels of agreement,” he added.
Ndambuki also mentioned that he had provided directives for a meeting with the unions, highlighting that they are essential partners in providing healthcare in the county. “We are still inviting you to the table [to discuss your demands]. Don’t take the step of calling the media to talk about strike notices that have not yet elapsed. We can engage cordially without exposing ourselves beforehand,” he urged, expressing a preference for continued dialogue rather than public confrontation.
