Upcoming doctors strike.

 In December 2024, Kenya's healthcare system faces a significant challenge as doctors, represented by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), prepare to issue strike notices to both the national and county governments. This action stems from longstanding grievances related to unmet demands from a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and issues such as unpaid salaries for intern doctors. The impending strike threatens to disrupt medical services across the country, potentially leaving millions without access to essential healthcare.

Background of the Grievances

The roots of the current unrest trace back to a CBA signed in 2017 between the KMPDU and the government. This agreement aimed to address various issues, including salary increments, improved working conditions, and better staffing levels in public hospitals. However, the union asserts that many of these commitments remain unfulfilled, leading to growing frustration among medical professionals.

A particularly pressing concern is the non-payment of salaries to intern doctors. Despite their critical role in delivering healthcare services, many interns have gone months without compensation. In response, the government disbursed Ksh965 million to address the arrears. However, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah stated that this amount is insufficient to cover all outstanding payments, leaving many interns still unpaid. 

Escalation to Strike Action

The KMPDU has expressed frustration over the government's failure to honor its commitments. In a Special Delegates Conference held in Nairobi on November 30, over 600 doctors convened to deliberate on the impending strike. The union resolved to issue formal strike notices on December 2, signaling the commencement of industrial action if their demands are not met. 

This decision follows a series of unproductive negotiations and unfulfilled promises. The union has emphasized that the strike is a last resort, necessitated by the government's persistent inaction on critical issues affecting the healthcare sector.

Historical Context of Doctors' Strikes in Kenya

Kenya has a history of doctors' strikes, often resulting from similar grievances. Notably, in March 2024, doctors initiated a nationwide strike over unmet CBA demands and poor working conditions. This strike lasted for nearly two months, severely disrupting healthcare services across the country. It concluded in May 2024 after the government and KMPDU signed a return-to-work agreement. 

The recurrence of such strikes underscores systemic issues within Kenya's healthcare system, including underfunding, inadequate staffing, and poor working conditions. These challenges continue to hinder the delivery of quality healthcare services to the population.

Implications of the Upcoming Strike

The impending strike poses significant risks to Kenya's healthcare system. Public hospitals, which serve the majority of the population, are likely to experience disruptions in service delivery. Patients may face challenges accessing medical care, leading to adverse health outcomes, especially for those with chronic conditions or requiring urgent attention.

Additionally, the strike could exacerbate existing challenges in the healthcare sector, such as long waiting times and shortages of medical supplies. The strain on healthcare resources may also lead to increased workloads for the remaining medical staff, potentially compromising the quality of care provided.

Government Response and the Way Forward

In response to the strike notice, the government has acknowledged the issues raised by the KMPDU and expressed a commitment to resolving them. Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Nakhumicha S. Wafula has emphasized the importance of dialogue and urged the union to engage in constructive discussions to avert the strike.

The government has also indicated plans to address the unpaid salaries of intern doctors and implement the provisions of the 2017 CBA. However, the KMPDU remains cautious, insisting on concrete actions rather than promises.

Conclusion

The looming doctors' strike in Kenya highlights persistent challenges within the country's healthcare system. Addressing the grievances of medical professionals is crucial to ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to the population. It is imperative for both the government and the KMPDU to engage in sincere and effective dialogue to find lasting solutions to these issues, thereby preventing further disruptions to healthcare services and safeguar

ding the well-being of Kenyans.