Medical doctors in Kitui County issued a 14-day strike notice on Wednesday evening, which will expire on February 7, 2024, due to what they term labor exploitation.
The doctors, during a meeting with their representatives under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), cited perennial staff shortages, burnout, career stagnation, demotivation, stalled job promotions as well as years of denial of postgraduate study leaves as some of the many issues plaguing them.
The doctors threatened to stop providing their services by the end of the strike notice if their demands are not satisfied, accusing the county government of making hollow promises to tackle their problems over the years.
“We must admit that the plan to frustrate and mistreat doctors to the brink of depression can no longer be taken as business as usual and it must be put to a halt. The 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Employment Act, and all labour laws must be adhered to.” KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, said in a statement.
“A crocodile infested river cannot be easily crossed by an individual and as a group we urge all doctors to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers in maintaining the dignity of our profession and pushing back against all forms of labour injustices.”
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