Doctors in Kenya Announce December 22nd as Strike Date Over Unmet Demands
Doctors in Kenya have officially announced December 22, 2024, as the date for a nationwide strike, which is expected to paralyze the country’s healthcare system. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) revealed the decision after months of failed negotiations with the government over unresolved issues, including poor working conditions, delayed promotions, and inadequate remuneration for medical staff.
The strike announcement was made by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atella during a media briefing in Eldoret. Dr. Atella confirmed that all doctors in the country, including those at major hospitals such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, would walk off the job in protest. He added that doctors will begin discharging patients from hospitals starting December 19, 2024, ahead of the strike action set to begin on December 22.
“The government has continuously failed to meet its obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with doctors. We have made countless appeals, but nothing has changed,” Dr. Atella stated. “This strike is a last resort, and we are determined to proceed unless the government takes immediate action to address our concerns.”
The union’s grievances include the government’s failure to fulfill promises related to salary increases, inadequate work environments, and delays in promotions for both practicing doctors and medical interns. Dr. Atella also accused the government of resorting to intimidation tactics against union leaders but vowed that the strike would go ahead regardless of any threats.
KMPDU’s call for a nationwide strike has raised concerns about the impact on the healthcare system. It is feared that the strike will significantly disrupt patient care, especially in already overburdened public hospitals. The union has warned that all medical facilities, including private and faith-based institutions, will join the industrial action.
“We are not just striking for better working conditions; we are striking to ensure better healthcare for all Kenyans,” Dr. Atella emphasized. “This strike is a matter of life and death, and we are willing to make this sacrifice in the hopes that the government will take our demands seriously.”
Medical students have also expressed frustration over the potential disruption to their studies. Many students are concerned that the strike will delay their academic progress, with some pointing to the cumulative effect of previous strikes on their educational timelines. Ian Limo, a student at Moi University School of Medicine, voiced his concern: “We’ve already lost so much time due to past strikes, and now it seems we may face another delay. If the government doesn’t act quickly, it’s our education and the quality of healthcare in this country that will continue to suffer.”
The KMPDU’s decision has garnered support from doctors across the country, with local chapters, including the KMPDU Northrift Chapter Chapter led by its Secretary Dr. Kamonzi Mulei, pledging full participation in the strike. During a regional meeting, Dr. Mulei urged doctors to stand in solidarity and called on the public to support the strike by withdrawing patients from hospitals.
“This is the only language the government understands. We have been patient long enough,” Dr. Mulei said. “The government’s failure to act will cost lives, and that burden will fall squarely on their shoulders.”
As the strike date draws nearer, there is growing pressure on the government to resolve the dispute before December 22. With hospitals on the verge of paralysis and the threat of a widespread shutdown looming, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Kenya’s healthcare system can avoid a full-scale crisis.
KMPDU officials have reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue, but warned that meaningful government action is required to avert the strike. “We are ready for talks, but the government must come to the table with concrete solutions,” Dr. Atella concluded. “The clock is ticking.”
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