Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-07 16:52:05
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has made it clear that the doctors will not accept President William Ruto’s offer to hire interns and pay them a Ksh70,000 stipend. In a statement released on Sunday following the President’s announcement, Atellah emphasized that the proposed amount is lower than what had been agreed upon in previous years. He reiterated that the medical doctors are not willing to compromise their worth and will only settle for the amount specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“As Doctors, we refuse to be scapegoats for wage bill reduction. Our salaries, essential like any Kenyan’s, are based on fair agreements,” Atellah stated firmly. Despite pressure from the government, he asserted that the doctors’ salaries, as outlined in the CBA, are non-negotiable. The doctors are adamant about receiving fair compensation for their hard work and oppose being targeted for wage bill control while state officers enjoy substantial paychecks. Atellah declared that they stand united against exploitation.
President Ruto had urged the doctors to return to work and accept the payment terms during a church service in Eldoret. He clarified that the stipend offered would cover the interns for a year before they could be absorbed into permanent positions, citing limited government resources as the reason for the set amount. Ruto also highlighted the government’s effort to reduce the wage bill, which currently accounts for over 45 percent of the state’s total annual revenue.
“The resources available allow for the payment of Ksh70,000 to intern doctors. It is not a salary but a stipend for one year before they transition to employment,” Ruto explained. The ongoing strike by the doctors, which began four weeks ago, has received support from other unions, including the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union, Pharmaceutical Technologists, and Nutritionists. These unions are advocating for recognition and an end to discrimination and inadequate pay affecting post-interns in various healthcare fields.
The stance taken by the KMPDU reflects the doctors’ commitment to fair compensation and standing up against perceived exploitation. Atellah’s refusal of the President’s offer highlights the importance of honoring agreements and valuing the contributions of healthcare professionals. The ongoing discussions between the government and healthcare unions underscore the challenges faced in balancing financial constraints while ensuring fair treatment for essential workers.
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