The standoff between the government and medical practitioners persists with neither party showing yielding ground amidst the ongoing doctors' strike that has entered its fourth week.
In a statement on Sunday, April 7, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Davji Atellah, fired back at President William Ruto following his declaration that the government would not be able to meet the financial demands set forth by striking doctors.
Ruto had cited concerns over the country's escalating expenditure on salaries.
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"As Doctors, we refuse to be scapegoats for wage bill reduction. Our salaries, vital like any Kenyan's, are based on fair agreements. Despite government pressure, doctors' salaries, anchored on CBA, are non-negotiable. We won't compromise on fair compensation for our hard work. It's unjust to target us for wage bill control while state officers enjoy hefty paychecks. We stand united against exploitation," Atellah declared.
As Doctors, we refuse to be scapegoats for wage bill reduction. Our salaries, vital like any Kenyan's, are based on fair agreements.
Despite government pressure, doctors' salaries, anchored on CBA, are non-negotiable. We won't compromise on fair compensation for our hard work.… pic.twitter.com/iNTX3W7iK1— Davji Bhimji Atellah (@Davji) April 7, 2024
Ruto on intern stipends
Speaking for the first time on the ongoing strike led by KMPDU, Ruto noted the urgency of addressing Kenya's financial constraints, pointing out that the government currently allocates 47% of its revenue to salaries, significantly exceeding the recommended 35%.
“Our wage bill is 47 per cent of our revenue. It should be 35 per cent according to the law. So we are way above. We need a conversation so that those of us who earn salaries are responsible. And we can reduce our wage bill so that we can free more resources to create jobs for our young people.”
Addressing congregants during a Sunday service at Eldoret AIC Fellowship church, Ruto stressed on the need to live within the country's means and urged for responsible spending.
The Head of State acknowledged the concerns brought forth by medical practitioners but emphasized the necessity of living within the country's means.
Despite negotiations between the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the strike initiated by KUCO remains ongoing, with George Gibore, the union's secretary-general, affirming their commitment to finding a lasting solution.
Ruto appealed to medical professionals to consider the financial constraints, suggesting that the Ksh70,000 stipend offered to interns should suffice as it is not a permanent salary.
He acknowledged the importance of their service but reiterated the need to work within the available resources.
“We mind them (doctors), we value the service they give to the nation, but we must live within our means. The resources we have are only sufficient to pay Ksh70,000 for intern doctors. It is not a salary, it is only a stipend for one year then they will be employed,” he said.
The medical practitioners, however, continue to advocate for increased funding for the healthcare sector, calling for the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), fair treatment for doctors on short-term contracts, and improvements in working conditions.
In response, KMPDU announced plans for nationwide demonstrations on April 9, 2024, inviting doctors, interns, and medical students to join in advocating for their rights and improved healthcare standards.
