Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Josphat Mwangi
Published on 2024-04-08 10:33:09
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has issued a directive to the County Public Service Board to halt the salaries of 59 doctors who are currently participating in a strike. This decision comes in response to the Council of Governors’ call for the striking doctors to adhere to court orders suspending their strike and return to work, or potentially face dismissal.
During an extraordinary meeting held last Wednesday, the Governors emphasized the importance of negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with individual county governments. The striking doctors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of their grievances, including delayed intern postings, fair remuneration for interns, postgraduate training opportunities, increased doctor employment, and improved healthcare coverage.
Despite a plea from President William Ruto to consider the government’s financial limitations and the need to manage salaries and allowances responsibly, the doctors remain steadfast in their demands for better working conditions and fair compensation. The ongoing standoff between the healthcare professionals and government officials highlights the challenges facing the healthcare sector in Kenya, particularly in rural regions like Nyeri.
The refusal of the doctors to return to work has led to a stalemate that is affecting the delivery of essential healthcare services to the residents of Nyeri County. Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s decision to suspend the salaries of the striking doctors is a clear indication of the government’s firm stance on the matter. It remains to be seen whether the doctors will heed the call to end their strike and engage in meaningful negotiations with the relevant authorities.
In the meantime, the residents of Nyeri County are left to suffer the consequences of the healthcare crisis, with limited access to medical services and a strained healthcare system. The future of healthcare in Nyeri, and indeed in Kenya as a whole, hangs in the balance as the standoff between the doctors and the government continues.
As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the residents and work towards a swift resolution that ensures the uninterrupted provision of healthcare services in Nyeri County. The ultimate goal should be to create a sustainable and harmonious working environment that meets the needs of both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. Only through collaboration and compromise can a lasting solution be achieved.
Read the original article on Africa News 24
