Homa Bay doctors call off strike after Governor Wanga, KMPDU reach agreement

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called off the doctors' strike in Homa Bay County after reaching an agreement with the devolved unit’s leadership.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah announced that, following the meeting with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga last week, it was resolved that the county would employ more doctors to reduce the recurrent shortage.

Dr. Atellah also stated that Governor Wanga, who was flanked by Health Chief Officer Dr. Kevin Osuri, agreed to gradually promote, redesignate, and confirm all doctors to their rightful groups by October 2024.

“All doctors due for confirmation will be immediately confirmed. The non-practice allowance of all doctors whose such allowances had been withheld will be immediately reinstated and all arrears paid immediately,” said the KMPDU boss.

“All outstanding salary by-products, loans and KMPDU union dues in arrears will be settled immediately.”

The Homa Bay doctors began their strike on the midnight of January 20, 2024 over what they termed as a multitude of pressing issues that the devolved unit’s administration has failed to address over the years.

They cited such issues as lack of promotions for over six years, non-remittance of statutory deductions for more than two years, as well as failure to implement contractual engagements.