Kenya’s striking doctors have been given 24 hours to end their walkout or face disciplinary action, according to a letter from Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
The letter urges the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to comply with a court order issued on April 3rd. Justice Byram Ongaya of the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled that the doctors “suspend the strike and ordered that the negotiations be completed within 14 days.”
Koskei emphasized that the court specifically tasked the Whole of Nation Approach Committee with resolving the dispute.
“The court charged the whole of the Nation Approach Committee…yet the doctors have refused to call off the strike,” he said.
The doctors’ union, however, remains hesitant. KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah expressed concern about potential retaliation.
“We are worried about the suspension and termination letters and withdrawal of paying union dues,” he said.
“There must be a return to work formula where…there should be no victimization.”