KMPDU ends doctors' strike after signing deal with government

The doctors' union has called off a strike that began in mid-March following the signing of a return-to-work formula with the government, and says medical workers will resume duty within 24 hours.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) signed a deal with the government that, however, did not fulfil their demands regarding internship postings for medical graduates.

The witnesses on the government's side included Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, and Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.

KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah said, "I thank the head of public service for complying with court orders because they were not given in vain. I thank the able leadership of KMPDU, who believe that justice must be done and must be done now."

He added, "The strike that began on the 13th of March, 2024, has been called off. The signing of the document today will pave the way for doctors to resume work within 24 hours from today."

Via X, the Health ministry said Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha led government representatives in the process at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

After 56 days, @kmpdu signs agreement, ending nationwide doctors' strike. pic.twitter.com/sj2wDm4RNr

— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) May 8, 2024

Representing the Council of Governors (CoG) were chairperson and Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, Tharaka Nithi Governor and Health Committee chair Muthomi Njuki, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who chairs the Labour Sub-Committee.

Waiguru said they will hold talks with the other institutions that are yet to settle their grievances.

“We would like to note that we will be continuing with the process of dialogue and negotiations with the other outstanding institutions that we haven’t yet settled because the commitment of the Council of Governors is to ensure that we are providing similar service delivery to the people that elected us,” she said.

The KMPDU has been pursuing reforms in the health sector, including higher pay, improved working conditions, and internship postings, for a group it says is the most vulnerable in the sector. It wants adequate pay for the medical graduates.

The union's demands are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) it signed with the state in 2017 after 100 days of industrial action.

The signing of the agreement followed a delay the day before of planned peaceful demonstrations by the union, a move it said would facilitate continued negotiations with the government.

“This decision comes in light of ongoing negotiations. We believe that engaging in the negotiation is crucial in addressing the concerns and grievances that led to the planned demonstration,” read a letter signed by Atellah.

The signed document states that the KMPDU shall immediately call off the strike and that union members who took part in it, following a notice dated March 6, will return to work within 24 hours of its execution.

"All unpaid union dues and salaries shall be paid in accordance with the existing contractual obligations,” it says, adding that none of those who participated in the industrial action will be victimised.

It adds: “In that regard, all disciplinary proceedings commenced or continued as flowing from the strike notice ... and subsequent events related to the strike (including but not limited to demotion, suspension, termination, stoppage of salaries, and non-remittance of union dues) are voided."