Publication date: February 7, 2024 07:43 (EAT)
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Dabji Atela after a meeting to resolve the doctors' strike.Photo | Courtesy
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called off the doctors' strike in Homa Bay County after reaching an agreement with the devolved sector leadership.
KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Dabji Atela announced that following a meeting with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga last week, it was resolved that the county increase the recruitment of doctors to alleviate the recurrent shortage of doctors.
Dr. Atela also said that Governor Wanga, flanking Chief Health Officer Dr. Kevin Osuri, will progressively promote, reappoint and recognize all doctors into their rightful groups by October 2024. He said he agreed.
“All doctors who require verification will be verified immediately. Non-practicing allowances of all doctors whose allowances were withheld will be restored immediately and all arrears will be paid immediately,” the KMPDU chief said.
“All outstanding salary byproducts, loans and overdue KMPDU union dues will be cleared immediately.”
Doctors in Homa Bay began a strike at midnight on January 20, 2024, over a number of pressing issues that the decentralized force's administration has failed to address over the years.
They cited problems such as no promotion for more than six years, statutory deductions not being remitted for more than two years, and non-performance of contractual obligations..
