‘Stay at Home’ – KMPDU Directs Intern Doctors to Halt Work Over Unpaid Salaries.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a directive for intern doctors to immediately stop working due to unpaid salaries.

The decision follows the tragic death of an intern doctor in Thika, which the union attributes to the financial struggles faced by interns.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah expressed his frustration, urging all interns to stay home until their dues are paid. He highlighted the mental toll the situation has taken, stating that some interns have even considered suicide due to the government’s inaction.

“These are young people who have dedicated their lives to serving Kenyans. Yet, the government has decided to unilaterally alter what has worked for the past seven years, without goodwill or consultation,” Atellah said during a press conference on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Atellah emphasized that the union has made repeated attempts to negotiate with the government but has faced nothing but roadblocks.

“We have tried to remain patient and negotiate in good faith, but our patience has been taken for weakness. A strike in our field isn’t just about inconvenience—it’s about lives lost,” he warned.

KMPDU has announced a nationwide strike to begin on November 30, 2024, should the government fail to address their grievances.

“We urge all interns to stay home until their salaries are paid as agreed. If this issue remains unresolved, we will convene to declare a general strike on November 30,” the union stated via their official account on X.

The primary point of contention lies in the new payment structure introduced by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). The circular pegs the gross salary for interns at Ksh47,000 to Ksh70,000, far below the rates stipulated in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Dr. Atellah criticized the SRC’s pay structure, arguing that it undermines the CBA and the financial security of intern doctors.

“The Ministry of Health has refused to budge, clinging to the SRC circular. We, however, stand firm on the agreed CBA rates,” Atellah said, adding that talks with the ministry reached a deadlock on October 31.

As the November 30 deadline looms, KMPDU has made it clear that intern doctors will not return to work until their demands are met. The union continues to rally its members, calling on the government to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies and disruption to healthcare services.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.