KMPDU announces another doctors' protest next week

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a peaceful protest by doctors in Nairobi, as the medics' strike rages on 42 days later.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, in a letter to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, notified of the peaceful march on Tuesday next week, further requesting for police security.

Dr. Atellah said the industrial action is aimed at compelling the Ministry of Health to heed to the doctors' demands after talks between the Union and the government hit a snag.

“We are writing to notify you of our plan to organize a peaceful procession to address the Ministry of Health's blatant disregard for the concerns affecting Kenyan doctors as raised in the Notice of industrial action. The procession is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, starting at 9:00 am,” stated Dr. Atellah in the letter.

“In light of the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, we kindly request your assistance in providing security during this event. Your cooperation and support in facilitating a peaceful and orderly procession would be greatly appreciated.”

Dr Atellah further outlined that the medics would first convene at the Kenyatta National Hospital, then head to the Ministry of Health, before proceeding to Parliament buildings and finally the National Treasury. 

The strike notice comes a day after the union rejected the proposed return-to-work formula by the government.

KMPDU maintained its stance on medical interns’ pay, saying the government's pledge to fulfil their other demands will not supersede the former.

Dr. Atellah, in a statement on Tuesday, rejected the offer by the government to meet 18 of the union’s 19 demands, with the only exception being the contentious Ksh.206,000 salary for medical interns.

He underscored the plight of the interns while referring to them as the “most vulnerable” group, saying the union is willing to compromise on all other demands so long as the young medics' remuneration is achieved.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha had threatened to move to court if KMPDU does not call off the doctors’ strike which entered its 42nd day on Wednesday.

Since March 14, the doctors have abandoned their duty stations and have been protesting the government’s failure to post medical interns and obey a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on doctors’ labour terms.