May 9, 2024 at 8:13:03 AM
May 15, 2026 at 7:03:26 PM
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Nairobi, Kenya - The Kenyan government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) have reached a return-to-work agreement, ending a prolonged 56-day strike that has impacted health services nationwide. The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Nairobi, marking a significant step towards resolving ongoing labor disputes in the health sector.
KMPDU Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, expressed gratitude towards the head of Public Service Felix Koskei and the Council of Governors for their roles in the negotiations.
"I want to thank the leadership of KMPDU for believing in justice," Dr. Atellah added during the televised signing.
Despite the progress, unresolved issues concerning intern doctors remain on the table. Dr. Atellah stated,
"As we sign, we will continue as we had not agreed on the intern issue and they will not be posted within 60 days as we continue with the talks."
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha acknowledged the difficulty of the negotiations but expressed relief at their conclusion.
"After long painstaking negotiations that ran into the night, I am pleased we are here and that the union has called off the strike," she said. Nakhumicha also sympathized with the families and patients affected by the strike, especially during efforts to accelerate universal health coverage.
The deal was finalized just before a 48-hour deadline set by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which would have intervened had the parties failed to agree.
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