The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has stated that the government is unable to afford the proposed monthly payment of Ksh.206,000 to medical interns. He emphasized that the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) should accept the terms presented by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The KMPDU has been advocating for medical interns to receive Ksh.206,000 per month, as outlined in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), while the government is proposing a maximum payment of Ksh.70,000 in line with the SRC’s recommendations.
Despite the demands from doctors, Koskei made it clear that the government will not meet their financial expectations.
“The government is facing financial constraints. We cannot afford to pay Ksh.206,000. They should accept the Ksh.70,000 offer,” stated Koskei.
He further explained, “Given our limited budget and the dire economic situation, it is unlikely that the entire workforce, including interns, will receive an increment. Interns will have to complete one year and obtain their license.”
This development comes as the nationwide doctors’ strike enters its one-month mark, with both the KMPDU and the government refusing to compromise on their respective demands.
Despite threats of disciplinary action from national and county governments, medical professionals have continued their strike, and some unions have indicated that the crisis may escalate.
Negotiations have thus far failed to resolve the impasse, with the main points of contention revolving around the 2017 CBA and the assignment of medical interns, among other issues.
The matter of pay lies at the core of the disagreement regarding the assignment of medical interns.
In a statement released on Friday, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Florence Bore, urged doctors to return to work and utilize the dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the Labour Relations Act of 2007 to address their grievances.
However, doctors have remained resolute in their stance, disregarding the government’s threats of dismissal.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah, who led a team of protestingmedics in Kakamega, stated that the threats will not deter them.
“No amount of intimidation or threats will compel doctors to return to work… only the implementation of the CBA will ensure their resumption. We have been on strike for one month, and we are prepared to continue for three months,” said Dr. Atellah.
In a further escalation of the crisis, the Kenya Clinical Officers Union (KUCO) has announced that it will withdraw all essential services starting next week.
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