Monday, April 15, 2024 – President William Ruto now appears to have shifted the blame over the ongoing doctors' strike to counties.
This is after he urged
healthcare professionals to resume negotiations with their respective county
administrations because they are responsible for paying their salaries.
This comes even as tensions
escalate with some counties threatening dismissal of non-compliant doctors.
During a press briefing, Ruto,
through the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, highlighted the readiness of
county governments to engage in negotiations for Collective Bargaining
Agreements (CBAs) and stressed the importance of prompt return to the
negotiation table.
"The counties are prepared
to negotiate," he affirmed, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in
resolving the crisis.
The strike, which has seen
varying levels of participation across the 47 counties, has resulted in a
patchwork of responses from local governments.
While Laikipia, Nyandarua, and
Uasin Gishu report full operation in their healthcare facilities, Nyeri county
has taken a harsher stance by dismissing 60 doctors who joined the strike.
Other counties, including
Kakamega, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Kilifi, and Kisumu, have set a stern deadline
for striking doctors. These doctors have been given until Monday, April 15, to
return to their duties or face termination of their contracts.
Highlighting the national impact
of the strike, it was revealed that more than 500 people have died due to the
lack of medical services, a situation that has intensified public outcry and
calls for urgent government action.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
-overlay.jpg)
0 Comments