The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) is scheduled to hold a peaceful demonstration on Monday, December 16, 2024.
The union has written a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, requesting security as they hold the demonstrations.
In the letter, Secretary General of the union Dr. Davji Atellah noted that the demonstrations aim to compel the government to implement long-standing CBAs and agreements signed between the union, various government bodies, and other stakeholders.
“This is to notify you that we shall be having a peaceful demonstration on Monday, 16th December, 2024, starting from 8:00 AM. The picketing is intended to compel the government to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreements dated 30th June 2017 and 6th July 2021 and Return-To-Work-Formula (RTWF) documents dated 8th May 2024 made between the union, the ministry of health, the national government, and national referral facilities; and the one made between the union and the county governments signed by the Chair of the Council of Governors, the Chair of Human Resource Labour and Social Welfare, and the Chair of the Health Committee, Council of Governors,” the letter read.
Atellah pointed out that the picketing would begin at 8:00 AM and proceed along a significant route from Kenyatta National Hospital to Nairobi Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and Parliament buildings.
The union argues that failure to implement the agreements signed earlier has had far-reaching consequences on the welfare of medical practitioners and the delivery of healthcare services in the public and private sectors.
"We shall abide by all the regulations and guidelines given by your office," Dr. Atellah said.
The letter has been copied to key security offices, including the regional police commander, Nairobi Region, and OCS offices in both Central and Kilimani Police Stations.
KMPDU has also reaffirmed plans to commence a nationwide doctors’ strike on December 22, citing frustration over the government’s failure to honour its promises.
Speaking during a recent meeting with doctors in Kakamega, Dr. Davji Atellah noted that the government’s repeated failure to address key issues has left the medical fraternity with no alternative but to down their tools.
The planned strike is in protest of various grievances, including poor working conditions, delayed salaries, pay cuts, and particularly the plight of medical interns, who have faced significant financial challenges.
The social media account as well referred to it as a major demonstration, quoting
"Let justice roll down like waters" (Amos 5:24)."
It also addressed all consultants, senior doctors, junior doctors, medical students, and the public.
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