The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has officially announced a strike by doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), following what it describes as failed negotiations. In a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah confirmed that the strike would begin at midnight on February 4, 2025. He stated that the hospital management had shown a disregard for the concerns raised by doctors in a notice issued on January 22, 2025, demonstrating a lack of willingness to resolve the issues.
The notice highlighted that the management had violated the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed on July 30, 2017, and July 6, 2021. Doctors also raised a series of welfare issues, including the failure to convert contractual positions into permanent and pensionable roles, unpaid arrears dating back to 2020, and failure to remit statutory deductions.
“We have been informed that MTRH has been engaging in unfair labor practices towards doctors, such as irregular employment, improper contracts, denial of leave, lack of medical cover, and no career progression. Affected doctors have also been denied gratuities and pensions,” Dr. Atellah stated in the notice.
Did you read this?
He further criticized the hospital for hiring other staff on permanent terms while subjecting doctors to unfavorable contract terms. Additionally, he pointed out the failure to remit third-party deductions, including bank loans, Sacco contributions, pension, and medical scheme deductions, leading to accrued arrears and penalties for the doctors.
Dr. Atellah also accused MTRH management of neglecting to promote doctors in senior positions and failing to register the 2021-2025 CBA, which has resulted in doctors missing out on benefits like equipment allowances and educational leave.
