After 56 days of deadlock, the protracted doctors' strike reached a resolution as the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) inked a return-to-work agreement on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
The breakthrough comes on the heels of a directive from the Employment and Labour Relations Court, mandating both parties to devise a mutually acceptable return-to-work plan by Wednesday.
Tensions escalated when the KMPDU presented a separate proposal before the court on Tuesday, prompting the judge to set a deadline for resolution by Wednesday, warning of judicial intervention if necessary.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah deferred the doctors' peaceful protests to an undisclosed date, facilitating space for the negotiations.
Throughout Tuesday evening, representatives from the KMPDU, government bodies including the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Ministry of Health, engaged in intensive negotiations to break the impasse.
"On behalf of the National Government, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon.@Nakhumicha_S
signed the deal, with witnesses including Head of Public Service @koske_felix, Labour Cabinet Secretary Hon. Florence Bore and Public Service Cabinet Secretary @HonMoses_Kuria, PS Medical Services @KimtaiHarry, and PS Public Health @muthonikenya.
"Representing the @KenyaGovernors were Chairperson and Kirinyaga Governor Hon. @AnneWaiguru Tharaka Nithi Governor and Health Committee Chair @MuthomiNjuki and Nyeri Governor @GovernorKahiga, who chairs the Labour Sub-Committee," Health Ministry announced after the breakthrough deal that ended doctors' strike.
Since March 14, 2024, medical practitioners have been absent from their posts, protesting the government's alleged failure to assign medical interns and honour the terms of a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) regarding labour conditions for medical professionals.
Despite protracted discussions led by a comprehensive committee dubbed the 'Whole of the Nation Approach', comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and the Head of Public Service, negotiations remained deadlocked.
The sticking point arose when the government proposed a compensation package of Ksh70,000 for medical interns, a significant reduction from the Ksh206,000 stipulated in the 2017 CBA, leaving the medical fraternity dissatisfied.
The resolution to end the strike brings hope for the resumption of medical services and signifies a significant advancement towards addressing the concerns of the medical community.
