Unions representing public health workers in the country have issued a seven-day strike notice, following which all members will go on strike beginning April 16th, 2024.
The unions, which included the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), the Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologist Officers (KNUPT), and the Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD), stated that they had previously issued a seven-day demand notice, which was ignored by the government and Ministry of Health.
The demand seeks equitable treatment and compensation for all members, including the posting and payment of interns, as well as the immediate recognition and absorption of their union members.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, April 9, KEHPHPU General Secretary Brown Achira said that they are the only three unions whose members are still at work and they are to stop soon.
“We want the government to sign the recognition agreement and it is non-monetary,” said Achira.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, April 9, KEHPHPU General Secretary Brown Achira stated that they are the only three unions whose members are still working and that they will stop soon.
"We want the government to sign the recognition agreement and it is non-monetary," Achira was quoted as saying.
KNUP General Secretary Elias Mutuma stated that the government should focus and prioritize health because it is more important.
"The government may build houses, roads and offer job opportunities to people but who will benefit if they are all sick or dead," Mr. Mutuma said.
KUNAD General Secretary Michael Odero stated that the court ordered the Health Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to pay medical interns, but they have not done so.
“The government has blacklisted the ongoing doctor’s strike saying there is no money while housing projects are being put up in the country,” stated Odero.
He added that they were willing to be arrested as long as they were fighting for justice.
The strike could complicate the current situation, in which doctors and clinicians have been on strike for nearly a month over pay and other issues. This has halted operations at public hospitals.
President William Ruto stated that the demands are unaffordable, citing the country's high wage bill.