The Nairobi City County Government has asked striking doctors and clinical officers to return to work, citing significant progress in addressing their grievances.
The county has warned of disciplinary action against those who fail to comply.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the county said it had made notable strides following sustained engagement with health sector unions and the implementation of key reforms aimed at improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Suzanne Silantoi said the administration had rolled out comprehensive medical cover for health workers under the SHA Civil Servants Scheme, a long-standing demand by unions.
She added that the county had also advanced promotions across common cadre job groups and allocated a Sh424 million supplementary budget to clear all pending promotion-related arrears.
Silantoi further noted that the county had stabilised employment terms within the health sector, with more than 98 per cent of healthcare workers now serving on permanent and pensionable terms.
She said all salaries and statutory deductions were fully paid, addressing concerns that have previously fuelled industrial unrest.
Against this backdrop, the county government directed doctors and clinical officers currently on strike to resume duty within 12 hours of the notice. It warned that failure to do so would result in disciplinary measures in line with existing laws and regulations, including loss of pay.
The strike has disrupted services in several public health facilities across the capital, affecting thousands of patients. County officials said a return to work would restore normal operations as discussions with unions continue.
At the same time, the county reassured residents that public health services remain operational across all county facilities.
Silantoi said the county remains committed to resolving labour-related disputes through dialogue but will not allow disruption of essential healthcare services.
"The Nairobi City County Government remains fully committed to resolving labour-related issues through dialogue, while ensuring that healthcare services continue uninterrupted for all Nairobi residents,” she said.
The county further clarified that gratuity obligations arising from service under the former Nairobi Metropolitan Services rest with the National Government.
However, the county said it has committed to settling gratuity for periods served under the County Government while continuing engagements with national authorities to secure a comprehensive and lasting resolution.
Expressing concern over what it termed the politicisation of the strike, the county said the industrial action has caused unnecessary disruption of essential services.
Silantoi stressed that while dialogue remains open, patient welfare must take precedence.
"While we remain open to dialogue, the disruption of essential health services is unacceptable, and all health workers on strike are required to resume duty to safeguard the wellbeing of Nairobians,” she said.
Despite the ongoing industrial action, the county assured residents that services across all public health facilities continue uninterrupted and urged the public to seek medical care without fear.
The county reiterated its commitment to delivering quality, accessible, and uninterrupted healthcare to all Nairobi residents.
Doctors commenced their industrial action in mid-December, with clinical officers later joining the strike.
The health workers have accused the county of sidelining their grievances, including delayed salaries and overdue promotions.
According to them, these delays have disrupted their lives and those of their families, further accusing the county of backtracking on previously agreed return-to-work negotiations.
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