Government Pledges to Address Intern Doctors’ Arrears by End of Year as Strike Looms

President William Ruto has addressed the ongoing dispute with intern doctors and the issue of salary arrears in the face of potential strike action threatened by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU).

During an online engagement via X Space with young people on Friday, President Ruto outlined the government’s healthcare reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s medical system. 

He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the doctors’ concerns, stating: 

The President also noted that the treasury had prioritized healthcare funding to address these issues.

Ruto highlighted improvements to the Linda Mama program, part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative. He mentioned: 

KMPDU Announces A Strike

Meanwhile, KMPDU has announced plans to protest at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi starting Monday, July 8, 2024. 

The union is demanding the immediate posting of all medical interns to health facilities across the country, citing a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement and recent promises. Their notice stated: 

This situation follows a strike in March 2024, which was called off after negotiations between the government and the doctors’ union resulted in agreements on salary arrears and intern postings. At that time, CS Nakhumicha urged doctors to resume their duties, saying: 

The ongoing negotiations between the government and medical professionals aim to address pay issues and improve working conditions in the healthcare sector.