Homa Bay doctors begin strike over salary arrears, halt services in public hospitals

Doctors in Homa Bay County have downed their tools, triggering a countywide strike that has paralysed services in all public health facilities.

The medics, under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) banner, began the industrial action on Wednesday morning after the expiry of a 21-day strike notice issued to the county government.

Speaking at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital during the strike’s commencement, KMPDU Homa Bay Branch Chairperson Dr. Rodgers Otana accused the county government of failing to honour key agreements, particularly the settlement of salary arrears and union remittances.

“Of the seven agenda items that we raised in our strike notice, only one was conclusively addressed; the matter of promotions and redesignations,” said Dr. Otana.

“But the most important one is the matter of arrears. The county government of Homa Bay owes doctors arrears to the tune of about Ksh.7 million. They also owe the union another Ksh.6 million, and until they pay all our members their arrears, we are going on strike.”

The doctors insist that no medical services will be offered in public facilities until their demands are fully met.

KMPDU Nyanza Regional Chairperson Dr. Onyango Steve said the situation had become untenable, noting that many health workers are struggling financially despite providing critical services to the public.

“Healthcare workers in Homa Bay cannot afford healthcare, the very service that they’re offering. This is a shame to the county and the employer,” he said.

“We empathise with the members of the public. We have tried to cover the nakedness of the county. We’re severely understaffed and are not paid on time. Some members are owed money dating back to 2021.”

He added that affected staff have continued working for years without receiving their full dues.

KMPDU National Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah further accused the county administration of unfair labour practices, including arbitrary payroll removals and questionable deductions.

“Homa Bay County is where, when we disagree with a minister or a Chief Officer or a Director, just through a phone call you’re struck off the payroll, without following any HR guidelines. They deduct your money for medical cover and somebody pockets that money,” he said.

The strike now leaves thousands of residents dependent on public health services without access to care, piling pressure on the county government to resolve the standoff swiftly.