Nandi County set to promote 71 doctors to avert November strike

Kapsabet,

Thursday, October 26, 2023,

KNA by Linet Wafula

Nandi County government and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) have struck a deal to promote 71 doctors by Monday next week to prevent the planned industrial action slated November 8th.

According to the North Rift KMPDU chairperson Dr. Darwin Ambuka, they decided to give dialogue a chance following the good will and efforts shown by the County administration.

Speaking at a Kapsabet hotel, Dr Ambuka said they will only call off the strike if the County implements the doctors CBA 2017-2021adding that doctors have stayed for long without promotions.

“Our members have been waiting for promotions for several years now. If the agreed promotions will not have been done by Monday, doctors will withdraw their services in all public health facilities effective Wednesday November 8, 2023,” he said.

The officials called upon the County government to improve not only the doctors’ welfare but also that of nurses and community health workers.

Edwin Rono, one of the Executive members of KMPDU said they are happy with the deliberations but they are cautious because of the history they have had with the County government.

“The strike is still on. We will have the strike if those letters are not issued by Monday morning. Until we get those letters and they are effected on pay slip, that’s when we will be satisfied and call off the strike,” he said.

On the issue of drugs, the officials commended the County administration saying they have really tried to stock drugs in most of the health facilities calling on other Counties to emulate the same.

Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Health (CECM) Ruth Koech noted that the process of issuing out promotion letters has already begun adding that Governor Stephen Sang’s administration has put health matters as a priority according to his agenda.

She said the County government received the strike notice but they are working around the clock to ensure most of the issues raised are solved within the stipulated time.

“There is nothing to worry, letters of promotions to doctors are being sorted out as well as other concern raised, our main focus is to improve health services to locals,” said the CECM.

Courtesy; KNA