KMPDU announce another protest as doctors’ strike continues
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a peaceful protest by doctors in Nairobi as the ongoing medics’ strike surpasses its 42nd day.
KMPDU Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, has written to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, notifying him of the planned peaceful march scheduled for next Tuesday, April 30.
Dr. Atellah also requested police security for the event.
The union aims to compel the Ministry of Health to address the doctors’ demands, as negotiations between the union and the government have reached an impasse.
“We are writing to notify you of our plan to organize a peaceful procession to address the Ministry of Health’s blatant disregard for the concerns affecting Kenyan doctors as raised in the Notice of industrial action. The procession is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, starting at 9:00 am,” stated Dr. Atellah in the letter.
“In light of the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, we kindly request your assistance in providing security during this event. Your cooperation and support in facilitating a peaceful and orderly procession would be greatly appreciated.”
He also mentioned the route of the protest, which will commence at Kenyatta National Hospital, proceed to the Ministry of Health, then to Parliament buildings, and finally to the National Treasury.
The strike notice follows the union’s rejection of the government’s proposed return-to-work formula.
The strike notice follows the union’s rejection of the government’s proposed return-to-work formula.
KMPDU has stood firm on medical interns’ pay, asserting that the government’s other promises will not overshadow the demand for the contentious Ksh.206,000 salary for medical interns.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has warned of legal action if KMPDU does not call off the strike, which began on March 14.
The strike is in response to the government’s failure to post medical interns and honor a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on doctors’ labour terms.
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