Nairobi – The healthcare crisis in Kenya continues as doctors have rejected a government offer to end their two-week-long strike, causing significant disruptions in health services.
Abidan Mwachi, Chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), took to social media to announce the union’s firm decision to decline the government’s proposals. The main reason cited for the rejection was the government’s failure to fulfill its promise of paying salary arrears.
The strike, initiated on March 15 by the KMPDU, representing over 7,000 members, has been demanding the payment of salary arrears and immediate hiring of trainee doctors, among other grievances.
In response to the strike, the government announced measures to address the doctors’ demands, stating that salary arrears had been settled and trainee doctors would be hired with a budget allocation of Ksh2.4 billion ($18.39 million) starting Thursday.
However, Mwachi’s rejection highlights the ongoing discord between doctors and the government, prolonging the healthcare crisis and leaving patients struggling to access care.
The root of the issue lies in a 2017 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), where doctors are demanding adequate medical insurance cover for themselves and their dependents, addressing salary payment delays, and compensating doctors pursuing higher degrees while working in public hospitals.
Kenya’s health sector has long been plagued by funding shortages and staffing deficiencies, leading to recurring strikes. The current standoff further disrupts medical services, raising concerns about the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
As the healthcare crisis in Kenya persists, the future remains uncertain as doctors and the government continue to clash over unresolved issues.
