The ongoing strike by health workers in Kenya has taken a new turn as Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha announced that striking medics will not be paid for their absence from work. This declaration comes amid mounting tensions between the government and the healthcare workforce, further prolonging the nationwide disruptions of health services in public hospitals.
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Addressing the issue during the World Malaria Day celebration in Kisumu, CS Nakhumicha emphasized the government’s stance on the strike, likening it to a wound that requires immediate attention. While acknowledging that the government has addressed most of the doctors’ demands, she stressed the need for a swift resolution to prevent similar crises in the future.
However, with tensions escalating, some counties have resorted to issuing dismissal letters to doctors who have yet to return to work, accusing them of breaching their contracts. This move adds to the already strained relationship between healthcare professionals and the government, deepening the impasse.
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The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has attributed the prolonged industrial action to poor management practices within the healthcare sector. President Dr. Simon Kigondu highlighted the erosion of doctors’ roles in governance and leadership, emphasizing the need for a centralized mechanism to address human resource management issues effectively.
As the stalemate persists, stakeholders, including Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, have called for urgent dialogue to find a lasting solution. The situation has raised concerns among human rights organizations like Amnesty International, which has condemned the unfolding crisis and urged all parties to prioritize patients’ welfare.
Furthermore, an Amnesty International report flagged the manner in which the National Police Service handles public order, citing instances of excessive use of force against healthcare workers exercising their right to protest. This underscores the broader implications of the strike on civil liberties and public safety.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the healthcare crisis in Kenya shows no signs of abating, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The uncertainty surrounding the resolution of the strike underscores the urgent need for dialogue and collaborative efforts to address the root causes of discontent within the healthcare sector.
 Susan Nakhumicha announced that striking medics will not be paid for their absence from work.){kind=link}