The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a fresh strike warning after Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced a significant pay reduction for medical interns. The union is now mobilizing its members for possible industrial action on February 20, 2025, should the government fail to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Intern Doctors’ Salaries Slashed

Speaking at the 2025 Health Summit held at the Deputy President’s official residence in Karen, CS Barasa revealed that newly recruited intern doctors would earn KSh 70,000 per month. This is a drastic cut from the KSh 206,000 stipulated in the 2017 CBA, which was reaffirmed during negotiations in December 2024.

“During our discussions in November and December, we referenced KSh 206,000. However, for the new group of interns, the amount is KSh 70,000. Negotiations will soon begin to finalize this arrangement,” Barasa stated during the summit.

KMPDU’s Response: A Call to Action

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah condemned the move, describing it as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the CBA agreement. Atellah warned that doctors would not sit back and watch the government disregard legally binding agreements.

“We will not allow the government to shortchange our hardworking interns. The agreed-upon salary is KSh 206,000, and we expect nothing less. Interns, let’s gather on February 20, 2025. When you call for action, we show up fast and strong!” declared Atellah.

Healthcare Crisis Looming

The potential strike could once again paralyze healthcare services across the country, mirroring last year’s scenario when intern doctors downed their tools over similar salary disputes. Public hospitals bore the brunt of the strike, with many patients left unattended as the government scrambled to find a resolution.

Government’s Position

The Ministry of Health argues that the KSh 70,000 figure is more sustainable given the current economic climate. However, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had previously overseen an agreement on December 19, 2024, affirming the KSh 206,000 pay in line with the 2017 CBA.

Public Reactions and Next Steps

The looming strike has sparked widespread public concern, with many questioning the government’s commitment to resolving the longstanding issues in the health sector. Medical professionals warn that persistent disputes over salaries and working conditions could undermine the quality of healthcare services in the country.

As February 20 approaches, the nation watches anxiously to see whether the government will reconsider its stance or brace for yet another healthcare crisis. The ball is now in the Ministry of Health’s court to avert the impending strike and ensure that intern doctors receive the compensation they have been promised.

Stay tuned to Nairobian for more updates on this developing story.

KMPDU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Intern Doctors’ Pay Cut