KMPDU Threatens Kenya Medical Practitioners Over Unresolved Kiambu Doctors’ Woes

KMPDU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Kiambu Doctors’ Woes

Tension is rising in Kenya’s healthcare sector after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a bold warning. If the standoff in Kiambu County continues, doctors across the country may soon walk off the job.

For 55 consecutive days, medical professionals in Kiambu have remained on strike. Operations in county hospitals have ground to a halt. However, both the national and county governments have remained largely silent.

“This Is About Dignity”

While addressing journalists on Monday, July 21, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah did not hold back.

“This strike is for the dignity of the doctors and the dignity of the patients in the county,” Atellah declared.
“Today marks day 55 of this strike, and we are not seeing an end anytime soon, because the county government has decided to be unreasonable.”

The doctors are protesting multiple grievances. These include lack of promotions, poor medical coverage, and punishment for those who voice concerns.

Nationwide Solidarity Brewing

Atellah emphasized unity within the medical community. Despite the issue being local, he made it clear that its impact resonates nationally.

“As a union, we don’t act as fragmented entities. We act as a union,” he stated.
“When a doctor is frustrated in Kiambu, it does not sit well with a doctor in Mombasa or Kisumu. Therefore, we are planning to escalate this strike to a nationwide strike.”

According to Atellah, a massive demonstration will take place on Thursday, July 24, in Kiambu town. The protest aims to shame the authorities into action.

Call To Pull Out Interns

The union is also pressuring Health CS Aden Duale. They want all 150 medical interns in Kiambu withdrawn immediately.

“We would like the health minister to ensure that all the interns in Kiambu County, the cohort of 2024/2025, are withdrawn immediately,” said Atellah.
“There is no way we will say that we have intern doctors in Kiambu and yet the county government cannot support the services.”

County Responds With Threats

Meanwhile, Kiambu County has chosen a confrontational path. Health CEC Elias Maina confirmed plans to sack striking doctors.

“We have started taking action against doctors who failed to report to work,” Maina said.
“A headcount is ongoing, and they will be replaced immediately with equally qualified professionals.”

Although the county claims to have invested heavily in healthcare, the lack of resolution tells another story.

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KMPDU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Kiambu Doctors’ Woes