Kajiado Medics Issue 7-Day Strike Notice, Lament Delays In Promotions: "It's A Plea For Justice"

• KMPDU secretary general Davji Bhimji Atellah stated that the doctors were frustrated due to nepotism, clanism, and favouritism during promotions
• The medics claimed they were subjected to unfair transfers, and there was a critical shortage of doctors in Kitengela, Kajiado and Oloitoktok
• Doctors also lamented unlawful salary and allowance withholding, lack of training opportunities and hospitals lacked essentials

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kajiado - A healthcare crisis is looming in Kajiado after doctors in the county issued a seven-day strike notice in protest of, among other grievances, delayed promotions.

Led by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) secretary general Davji Bhimji Atellah, the medics said their issues needed to be addressed.

KMPDU stated that their cry was a call for fairness and a better healthcare system for the residents of Kajiado.

"In light of these dire issues, KMPDU issued a 7-day strike notice, aiming for a comprehensive resolution. It's a plea for justice, fairness, and a commitment to a healthcare system that truly serves the people," read the statement in part.

What are Kajiado medics' grievances

Atellah stated that the doctors were being frustrated during promotions due to nepotism, clanism, and favouritism, adding the system needed to be overhauled

KMPDU added that medics in the county were subjected to unfair transfers, arguing doctors face erratic and punitive transfers without the promised compensation, violating HR norms.

The shortage of doctors has also emerged as a perennial issue with KMPDU claiming their calls for more medics being unanswered.

"Severe burnout looms as Kitengela, Kajiado, and Oloitoktok grapple with a critical shortage of doctors. The plea for reinforcements goes unanswered," Atellah added.

From doctors facing unlawful salary and allowance withholding as a form of discipline to a lack of training opportunities and hospitals lacking essential, KMPDU highlighted the dire situation in the county.

KMPDU demands salary increament

Earlier, the medical practitioners had demanded an increment in their monthly pay or else they embarked on a nasty industrial action countrywide.

In a notice of strike to the national government, KMPDU said the Ministry of Health should not turn a blind eye to their salary increment demands.

The medics also want the government to implement the untouched provisions in the previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that bear most of their grievances.

Atellah said the current cost of living continues to have a toll on his colleagues, stating that a salary commensurate with the economic status quo would suffice.