Hundreds of doctors from hospitals across Kenya gathered in the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday, joining a demonstration in support of a nationwide strike that has entered its fourth week.
The protest, organized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), saw white-coated doctors chanting slogans and blowing horns and whistles as they marched towards the health ministry.
Despite the presence of a small contingent of riot police monitoring the demonstration, which lacked official authorization, the doctors remained resolute in their demands for improved pay and working conditions. The strike, initiated on March 13, has disrupted healthcare services in the country’s 57 public hospitals.
Dennis Miskellah, the deputy secretary-general of KMPDU, emphasized the doctors’ willingness to return to work but stressed that government efforts to address their concerns were inadequate to alleviate the suffering of both medical staff and patients.
The government’s recent offer, which included payment of arrears under a 2017 collective bargaining agreement and the hiring of trainee doctors on permanent contracts, was rebuffed by the union. Additionally, a labor court injunction urging the suspension of the strike and setting a negotiation deadline failed to resolve the impasse.
President William Ruto, citing budgetary constraints, ruled out further concessions, stating the need to manage expenses responsibly. However, the doctors highlight persistent issues such as poor salaries and working conditions, which have prompted many Kenyan medical professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
This strike echoes a similar 100-day standoff in 2017, which paralyzed public hospitals and resulted in patient fatalities due to lack of medical attention. Although that strike concluded with a collective bargaining agreement, doctors allege that the government has failed to honor its commitments, leading to the current standoff.
