Crisis looms as doctors threaten new strike over unmet promises

According to the KMPDU, the government has not implemented key provisions in the return-to-work agreement signed after the doctors’ 56-day strike, leaving many healthcare workers frustrated and disillusioned.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atella expressed disappointment in the government’s response, stating, "The government has not implemented the agreement we signed in May." 

Dr. Jackson Kamonzi, North Rift branch secretary, added that doctors continue to struggle, saying, "We have to abandon our work to follow up with counties and the government."

The union has given the government until November 30 to address their demands, with plans to issue a seven-day strike notice if no action is taken. Dr. Atella highlighted the urgency of their concerns, saying, "Our patients have seen enough; we cannot rely on promises anymore."

This threat comes as the healthcare system faces additional scrutiny following the death of a three-year-old child at Longisa Referral County Hospital amid allegations of negligence. 

A widely circulated video shows the child in distress, reportedly left unattended by hospital staff. 

According to the child’s family, Longisa Hospital demanded KSh 5,000 for ambulance service and an additional KSh 8,000 as a deposit for a referral to Tenwek AGC Hospital.

A relative of the child, Joan Cherotich, described the family’s frustration, while Dr. Joseph Sitonik, Bomet County Health CEC, responded by promising a thorough investigation. 

The hospital maintains that the child arrived late, but the incident has reignited calls for accountability and improvements within Kenya’s healthcare system.

With doctors threatening to strike once again, coupled with the recent tragedy, healthcare in Kenya appears to be at a crossroads, facing challenges in service delivery and sector-wide reform.