Striking medics reject City Hall order to resume work

Striking doctors and clinical officers in Nairobi have rejected a request from the Nairobi City County Government to resume work.

The county on Wednesday asked the health workers to return, citing significant progress in addressing their grievances, and warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

The strike, which began in mid-December with doctors and later included clinical officers, has disrupted services in some public health facilities across the capital. Officials, however, said there has been no serious disruption and that public health services remain operational.

In a press statement, Nairobi County said it had made notable strides through engagement with health sector unions, including implementing key reforms to improve healthcare workers’ welfare.

Despite this, the striking medics said the strike would continue. They accused the county of sidelining their grievances, citing delayed salaries, lack of insurance cover, and overdue promotions.

“Unfortunately, out of the many long-standing demands, the only thing the county has managed to fulfil is giving us a confirmation letter,” said Malindi Chao, KMPDU Nairobi branch secretary.

“In January, we didn’t have a salary or insurance. Insurance cover was only activated yesterday, so from the 9th to the 13th, we didn’t have cover. You are a parent, you have a family depending on you, yet there’s no salary by January 14.”

Health CEC Suzanne Silantoi said the county had rolled out comprehensive medical cover for health workers under the SHA Civil Servants Scheme, advanced promotions across common cadre job groups, and allocated a Sh424 million supplementary budget to clear pending promotion-related arrears.

She added that employment terms within the health sector have been stabilized, with more than 98 percent of healthcare workers now serving on permanent and pensionable terms.

All salaries and statutory deductions have been fully paid, addressing concerns that contributed to the industrial action.

The county directed doctors and clinical officers on strike to resume duty within 12 hours of the notice, which lapsed on Friday, warning that failure to do so would result in disciplinary measures, including loss of pay.

While the strike continues, the county has reassured residents that public health services remain available across all facilities.

Silantoi emphasized that the administration 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 also clarified that gratuity obligations arising from service under the former Nairobi Metropolitan Services rest with the national government.

It has committed, however, to settling gratuity for periods served under the County Government while continuing engagements with national authorities for a comprehensive resolution.

Silantoi said the county views the strike as politicised, causing unnecessary disruption to essential services. She 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 well-being of Nairobians,” she said.