Doctors' strike: ODM critises state response to crisis, demands action

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing doctors' strike, criticising the government's "lacklustre' response to a crisis with adverse effects on ordinary Kenyans.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who read the party's statement to the press following a meeting of their Central Management Committee, pointed out that the party has taken a firm stance, emphasising that immediate action is imperative.

"We see an equally pedestrian and dismissive approach to the doctors’ strike and its impact on ordinary Kenyans. There seems to be neither commitment nor capacity by the government to resolve the matter,” he told a press conference at Capitol Hill in Nairobi, which ODM leader Raila Odinga attended.

ODM asked the government to implement a 2021 court ruling which directed the Ministry of Health and the 47 county governments to pay the basic salary as per the agreed, signed, and registered Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of 2017–2022.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna addresses a press conference at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on April 3, 2024. (Photo: ODM)

Sifuna further said ODM supports the striking doctors' demands, including the operationalisation of the Facility Improvement Fund to safeguard health finances.

"In line with the demands of the striking doctors, the government must ring-fence health finances by operationalising the Facility Improvement Fund," he said, further calling for the allocation of more resources to the health sector.

"We support the call by doctors for the government to allocate 15 per cent of the budget to health and devolve the resources to the counties."

The orange party also called for the annual and incremental recruitment of doctors and other healthcare workers until the country achieves recommended staffing levels.

"That is what the government does with teachers, police, and military," he said.

Doctors stay put

The nationwide doctors' strike started on March 14 and has entered its third week, with the absence of medical professionals from hospital wards intensifying an already dire situation.

On Tuesday, the government announced the allocation of resources necessary to facilitate the immediate deployment and placement of all medical interns, which was one of the primary reasons for the strike.

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the requisite budgetary support of Sh2.4 billion has been allocated for the immediate deployment and posting of the 2023/24 cohort of medical student interns.

He noted that this was in line with the guidelines of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

ODM leaders, led by opposition chief Raila Odinga, address a press conference at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on April 3, 2024. (Photo: ODM)

All eligible medical graduates were asked to collect their posting letters from the Ministry of Health's offices from Thursday, April 4.

However, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) declined proposals from the government intended to end the industrial action.

The doctors cited dissatisfaction with the proposal's failure to fully honour the 2017–2022 CBA.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by KMPDU Chairman Abi Mwachi and addressed to President William Ruto, the doctors explained that the proposal did not meet the CBA's terms.

“Dear Mr President, You taught me a valuable lesson when you defied what was called the deep state and stood for what you believed to be right. Allow me, sir... Respectfully, we decline these proposals in total. We believe that genuine governments should honour their Collective Bargaining Agreements,” the statement said.

It was echoed by KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah, who termed the government's offer an act of impunity, vowing to persist until their demands are adequately addressed.

"When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. We refuse to tolerate impunity. With unwavering determination, our resolve surges. United in purpose, our strike gains momentum, intensifying tenfold as we advance towards a healthcare system rooted in fairness and justice,” Atellah declared.