Doctors Threaten New Strike Over Unmet Promises by Government
Doctors in Kenya, under the banner of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), have issued a strong warning to the government, threatening to go on strike unless key commitments made after their prolonged strike earlier this year are fulfilled.
The union claims that the government has failed to implement vital provisions from the Return to Work Agreement signed in May following the 56-day strike that crippled public healthcare services across the country.
The KMPDU has voiced its frustration over the government’s inaction, accusing officials of disregarding agreements that were meant to improve working conditions for medical professionals, address long-standing issues in the healthcare sector, and ensure better patient care. The union argues that despite the extensive disruptions caused by their earlier strike, healthcare workers are still facing the same challenges, leaving many feeling disillusioned and disheartened.
Dr. Davji Atella, the KMPDU Secretary General, expressed deep disappointment with the government’s response to the issues raised. “The government has not implemented the agreement we signed in May. After months of negotiations and sacrifice, we had hoped for real change, but the promises made have yet to be fulfilled. Our members continue to work under the same harsh conditions, with no meaningful improvements in their pay, allowances, or working environments,” she said.
In addition to concerns over financial compensation, doctors have raised alarms about inadequate resources, understaffing, and the lack of essential medical supplies in many public hospitals. The union has repeatedly called for reforms to address these systemic issues, which they argue have made it increasingly difficult to provide quality care to patients.
Dr. Kamonzi Mulei, the North Rift branch secretary of the KMPDU, echoed Dr. Attella’s sentiments, pointing out that the situation on the ground remains grim. “We continue to struggle daily,” he said. “As doctors, we are left with no choice but to abandon our work to follow up with counties and the government on unresolved issues. The bureaucracy involved in securing basic resources for healthcare is overwhelming and leaves us unable to focus on our primary responsibility—caring for our patients.”
The union has given the government a final ultimatum, demanding that all unresolved issues be addressed by November 30th. If no substantial action is taken by then, KMPDU plans to issue a seven-day strike notice, signaling another possible nationwide work stoppage that could further disrupt public health services. The potential strike has raised concerns about the continued strain on Kenya’s healthcare system, which has already been battling numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of medical equipment, and a rising number of patient complaints.
Dr. Atella highlighted the urgency of their demands, stressing that the healthcare sector cannot continue to function under the current conditions. “Our patients have seen enough. They have been suffering due to the lack of proper healthcare, and we cannot continue to operate on promises alone. The government needs to take decisive action now. We are not asking for anything extraordinary—just the basic tools to do our job and the respect we deserve as professionals,” she said.
The proposed strike comes at a time when the country is already grappling with a series of economic and social challenges, including a strained healthcare system that is struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing population. Public hospitals have long faced issues of overcrowding, insufficient resources, and poor working conditions, which have only worsened in recent years. Healthcare workers, who are essential to the functioning of the system, are now demanding accountability and real change.
While the government has not yet issued an official response to the KMPDU’s latest statement, the looming threat of a strike raises significant concerns about the ability of the public health system to cope with another disruption. The last strike in May had already caused widespread disruption, leaving thousands of patients unable to access vital medical services and many healthcare workers struggling to maintain morale amidst the crisis.
The union’s stance is clear: unless the government acts swiftly to honor its previous commitments and address the concerns raised, the situation will only escalate further. “We are determined to hold the government accountable,” Dr. Atella concluded. “This is not just about us as healthcare workers, but about the future of healthcare in Kenya. The government must act now to prevent a crisis from becoming even more severe.”
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s next steps and whether they will take meaningful action to avoid another nationwide strike that could further damage an already struggling healthcare system. With healthcare workers threatening to down tools once again, the stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting on the government to deliver on its promises.
By Jamila Nasenya
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