KMPDU puts off Tuesday demos, says 'negotiation is crucial'

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has postponed demonstrations that were scheduled for Tuesday, May 7.

KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah, in a letter to union members, said the peaceful protests had been postponed to an unnamed date to pave the way for ongoing negotiations with the government in addressing 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 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.

They have held long-running negotiations with a ‘Whole of the Nation Approach' committee bringing together the Ministry of Health, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and the Head of Public Service.

But the talks have been unfruitful. The government has presented a Ksh.70,000 offer for the medical interns in place of the Ksh.206,000 set in the CBA, which is among the government offers the doctors have turned down.

Saturday's talks culminated in the doctors walking out on the government.