Hours after the government through the Ministry of Health announced the disbursement of monthly stipends and accrued arrears owed to 3,747 medical interns amid a looming strike, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has declared its stance.
KMPDU on November 30, 2024, held its Special Delegate Conference after which it gave the way forward on industrial action.
This is despite MoH announcing that some 3,747 health professionals are to receive over Ksh965 million as monthly stipends and accrued arrears to strengthen the provision of healthcare services.
According to a statement by Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Deborah Barasa earlier on Saturday, the government said it has disbursed Ksh965,875,345.60 which includes Ksh528,615,125.60 in arrears payments and Ksh110,668,070 in regular payment for Nursing and Clinical officer interns.
Among the interns to benefit from the payments include degree holders Medical Officer (826), Pharmacists (274), Dentists (71), Clinical Officers (140), Nursing Officer (1,185) and diploma Clinical Officer Interns (1,251).
CS Barasa said a further Ksh326,592,150 has been made as arrears payments for Medical Officer Interns, Dental Officer Interns and Pharmacist interns.
“Internship programs are a critical component of Kenya’s healthcare system, providing hands-on experience to bridge the gap between the theory and practice. By ensuring regular remuneration, the Ministry affirms its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for professional growth, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered to Kenyans,” the statement by Dr Barasa reads in part.
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The CS asked the interns to liaise with their respective departments for further clarifications on the payments.
Dr Barasa said the payment will ensure the interns will receive their dues without delay in order to boost their dedication in service delivery in healthcare facilities in the country.
KMPDU announces strike
KMPDU, however, after convening its Special Delegate Conference attended by over 600 doctors ratified industrial action and instructed the National Advisory Council to issue a strike notice on Monday, 2nd December 2024.
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According to the Union, the notice is to be issued to both National and County governments.
“The 2024 KMPDU Special Delegate Conference, with over 600 doctors, has today, 30th November 2024, ratified industrial action and instructed the National Advisory Council to issue a strike notice on Monday, 2nd December 2024, to both National and County governments,” the statement reads.
Adding, “KMPDU’s highest decision-making organ, the Special Delegates Conference (#SDC) 2024, has unanimously endorsed a national doctors’ strike.”
KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atella said that the notice will mark the beginning of a united push to demand fair treatment, respect for agreements, and the urgent resolution of these critical issues.
He added that this decision comes as doctors continue to face deliberate violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and a lack of goodwill from both levels of government to implement the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) signed on 8th May 2024.
“The unlawful reduction of intern doctors’ wages to Ksh41,000 is not just a breach of the CBA but a clear disregard for the dignity and welfare of our healthcare workers. As a union, we cannot and will not allow this injustice to continue unchallenged,” he said.
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