The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a stern warning to three counties Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado over their failure to comply with a crucial return-to-work agreement aimed at stabilizing the healthcare sector.
The move, announced following a union meeting, signals escalating tensions between healthcare workers and county governments, with the union threatening industrial action if the situation is not addressed within the stipulated timeline.
Counties Accused of Violating Agreement
According to KMPDU, the three counties have failed to fully implement the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which were designed to resolve long-standing issues affecting doctors and other medical professionals.
The union has termed this failure a serious breach, accusing the county administrations of disregarding commitments that were meant to improve working conditions and healthcare delivery.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah emphasized that the union would no longer tolerate delays or partial implementation of the agreements. He warned that continued non-compliance would trigger a doctors’ strike in the affected counties.
“We will no longer wait for justice; we will enforce it,” he said, underscoring the union’s resolve to push for full compliance.
Deadline Issued Amid Strike Threats
The union has given Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties a strict deadline to honor the agreements. Failure to meet the requirements by the set date could see doctors down their tools, potentially disrupting healthcare services across the three regions.
This ultimatum places pressure on county governments to act swiftly and avoid a repeat of past strikes that have severely affected patients relying on public health facilities.
Progress in Other Areas Acknowledged
Despite the standoff, KMPDU acknowledged progress made in some areas at the national level. These include improvements in the payment of salary arrears, internship placements, postgraduate training, promotions, and medical insurance for healthcare workers.
The union also commended efforts by the Ministry of Health to address challenges within the sector, noting renewed momentum in tackling longstanding issues affecting medical professionals.
Concerns Over Healthcare System Challenges
However, KMPDU expressed concern over persistent challenges in the healthcare system, including understaffing, delayed salaries, and lack of essential medical supplies. These issues, the union argues, continue to undermine service delivery and place additional strain on healthcare workers.
The union has called on both national and county governments to prioritize healthcare funding and fully implement signed agreements to ensure better working conditions for doctors and improved services for patients.
Rising Tensions in the Health Sector
The issuance of the red notice highlights growing tensions in Kenya’s devolved health system, where counties are responsible for managing healthcare services. Disputes over employment terms and implementation of agreements have frequently led to strikes, affecting millions of Kenyans.
With the deadline fast approaching, attention now shifts to the three counties as stakeholders await their response. The outcome will likely determine whether healthcare services remain stable or face another wave of disruptions.
The situation underscores the fragile balance between policy commitments and practical implementation in Kenya’s health sector—where delays can have far-reaching consequences for both healthcare workers and the public.