The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has turned down the government's Ksh.2.4 billion offer to end the ongoing doctor's strike.
Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service at the State House, said on Tuesday that the funds will be used to post all qualifying medical student interns, with those who qualify invited to pick up letters beginning Thursday.
Koskei further stated that eligible medical workers would receive grants and scholarships for their postgraduate studies.
Hours after the announcement, KMPDU Chairman Abi Mwachi and Secretary General Davji Atellah rejected the offer, claiming that it did not completely honour the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
"The doctors of this country did nothing but believed in the promise of their government in 2017 where hence we ended a 100 days strike for the price of a promissory note. It is time to honour that promise," he wrote.
Dr. Mwachi said in a statement to President William Ruto that the CBA agreement should be completely honoured and health workers' requests met in full compliance.
"We decline these proposals in total. We believe that genuine governments should honor their Collective Bargaining Agreements."
Atellah shared the Chairman's remarks, describing the government's move as impunity and stating that they will not relent until their demands are met.
"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," he said.
The statewide doctor's strike, which began on March 14, entered its third week on Tuesday, compounding the dire situation in hospitals, as doctors have abandoned the wards and taken to the streets.