Laikipia Governor inks deal for 33 sacked doctors to return to work

The medics were fired 40 months ago by the administration of Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, who lost his seat in the August 9 elections.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the devolved unit by newly-elected Governor Joshua Irungu, and on behalf of the doctors by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah.

Irungu stated that the county and the union had reached an out-of-court settlement in which the sacked medics would be paid salary arrears for the next 27 months.

Ten of the 33 medical specialists fired in 2019 will report to their respective stations on September 1, 2022. The remaining 23 are in the process of clearing with their current employers and are expected to join the rest on October 1st.

Soon after their dismissal, the medics petitioned the Labour and Industrial Relations Court, which ruled in their favor and ordered that they be reinstated and paid all of their back pay.

But Governor Muriithi refused to reinstate them, and his administration also failed to pay the dues that had accumulated over the months as directed.

The county chief stated that improving health services is a top priority for his administration, and that they will hire more doctors on a permanent and pensionable basis, as well as ensure adequate drugs are available in health facilities.

He also stated that, for the time being, they do not have ready funds to pay the doctor's fees, but will do so through a supplementary budget once the County Assembly reconvenes.

Mumbi Mwago, chairperson of the Laikipia Public Service Board, stated that the medics hired by Muriithi would be retained.

“There are doctors who were hired on contract basis by the previous administration to replace some of the 61 hired medics. We are assuring that they will retain their jobs and we shall ensure that they are on permanent and pensionable basis,” said Ms Mwago.

Dr. Atellah stated that the conflict between the sacked doctors and Governor Muriithi's administration arose from a disagreement over a collective bargaining agreement.

He urged other county chiefs to follow Governor Irungu's lead and resolve labor disputes before workers resort to strike action.

KMPDU had filed an appeal, naming the county government and the County Public Service Board as defendants. The parties, however, agreed to have the dispute resolved by the Public Service Commission (PSC).