Healthcare workers across the country have issued a new warning to the government, threatening to suspend operations within two weeks if demands for health insurance coverage are not met.
Already, health workers in four counties, including Nyamira, Marsabit, Meru and Taita Taveta, are on strike.
Other unions which joined in solidarity with KMPDU include the Kenya Union of Clinical Clerks (KUCO), Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Technologists (KNUMLO), Kenya Union of Environmental Health and Public Health Workers (KEHPHPU), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Officers (KNUPT) and Kenya Union of Dieticians and Dietitians (KUNAD).
He stressed that one of the key agreements in signing the return to work modalities between the county government and the medical union, which includes doctors, was the provision of comprehensive medical insurance, saying such insurance is essential and will ensure that doctors receive the same medical services they are tirelessly providing to their patients.
Despite this promise, many workers still do not have the insurance they were promised, festering their discontent and fuelling ongoing conflict between the two levels of government.
The three major issues the union is seeking resolution for include unpaid salaries for three months – June, July and August, comprehensive medical insurance for health workers across the country and exemption from statutory deductions by county governments.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr Dabji Atera expressed deep dissatisfaction that the government was “cheating” them.
“Even after discussions and agreements, it seems we are not heading anywhere. Around 40 counties are not providing health insurance to health workers in violation of Article 34(1) of the Labor Relations Act, which is also a violation of the collective bargaining agreements they have with their employers.”
“This is an act of negligence that cannot be tolerated any longer. We cannot continue working under these circumstances,” Dr Atera said, speaking on behalf of health workers.
Workers highlighted the injustice of being on the front lines of patient care yet still lacking the protections they need for their health.
“If no action is taken within the next two weeks, there will be a nationwide strike and thousands of health workers will stop working until our demands are met. We are not asking for anything special. Health insurance is a basic right of all health workers.”
“We will not continue to put lives at risk without adequate protection,” he added.
Dr. Atera continued, “Healthcare workers across the country are enduring hardships, with many unable to afford commute costs, facing eviction, and suffering financial hardships that severely impede their ability to provide basic health care services. These delays not only violate the rights of workers in our counties, but also place further strain on our already overburdened health care system.”
Kenya Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) secretary general Seth Panyako said there would be a nationwide strike and that all health workers would take part.
“This is like a national health care workers strike, because if 40 counties go on strike, what would you call it? The strike will be specific and it will start on the same day in all counties,” Pagnacco said.
So far, Meru, Machakos, West Pokot, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kajiado, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Bungoma have endured three months of delayed or non-payment of salaries.
Health workers have accused national and county governments of taking advantage of them, even as GoSlow has caused major disruptions to health services across the country.
In March 2024, Kenya’s health system was hit by major disruptions, with citizens bearing the brunt as doctors, inspectors and clinical inspectors from the Kenya Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists went on strike demanding that national and county governments address their needs.
This was accompanied by extensive consultations involving all stakeholders, even the Head of State, who gave a clear commitment that even doctors would be willing to return to work.
Health Minister Dr. Deborah Barasa said her administration is ready to address the doctors’ strike and is open to further talks to find a solution, but health workers say they want action and improvements for the medical workforce and are tired of empty promises.
Now, if all the grievances of the medical unions go unheeded, this will be an embarrassment for President William Ruto and his administration as they seek to achieve universal health coverage in an ailing health system.
If doctors walk away from work without an agreement, Kenyans may once again bear the brunt.
