Unions representing public health workers have issued a seven-day strike notice, after which all members will go on strike on April 16, 2024.
The unions are the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), The Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologist Officers (KNUPT), and The Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD).
They claim they had earlier issued a seven-day demand notice that the government and Ministry of Health did not honor.
The demand seeks fair treatment and payment for all members, including posting and paying interns and immediate recognition and absorption of their union members.
Addressing the media in Nairobi, KEHPHPU General Secretary Mr Brown Achira said that they are the only three unions whose members are still at work and will stop soon.
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“We want the government to sign the recognition agreement, and it is non-monetary.”
KNUP General Secretary Mr Elias Mutuma stated that the government should focus and set priorities as health is more important.
“The government may build houses and roads and offer job opportunities to people, but who will benefit if they are all sick or dead.”
On his part, KUNAD General Secretary Mr. Michael Odero said that the court ordered the Health Cabinet secretary and Principal Secretary to pay medical interns, but they have not done so.
“The government has blacklisted the ongoing doctor’s strike saying there is no money while housing projects are being put up in the country,” he said.
Further, he said that they fully support the doctor’s strike and are ready to be arrested as long as it is fighting for justice.
