The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to embark on a strike beginning in December if the outstanding funds owed to its members are not disbursed.
During a heated delegates conference held on Saturday, November 30, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah stood firm against the government, condemning the disbursement of Ksh965 million as grossly inadequate for the needs of the medical interns across the nation.
According to Atellah, this amount translates to a mere Ksh40,000 for each intern doctor—far less than what had been previously agreed upon.
“The Ministry of Health has released a notice that violates the terms of our Collective Bargain Agreement. It has sent a letter that instills fear in our doctors and demoralizes our workforce,” Atellah declared, underlining the gravity of the situation.
The KMPDU’s frustrations are compounded by a lingering issue: many intern doctors claim they have not received their salaries, despite the government’s assertions that the funds had been allocated.
KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah did not hold back in his criticism of Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, accusing her of misleading the public regarding the financial disbursement.
“Today, the health minister awoke to mislead Kenyans, proclaiming that money has been released and that interns have been paid. We are disappointed, as many still do not have the funds in their accounts,” Miskellah alleged.
Atellah hinted at the potential for a significant strike, intensifying the calls for the government to act quickly.
“We are deliberating the logistics of our strike; it will be powerful, and you can take my word for it,” he warned.
