Doctors hold protests in Nairobi, Eldoret after talks with Gov’t collapse

Critical health services were on Friday paralyzed in Nairobi, Rift Valley and Nyanza region as the doctor's strike entered day 9 across the country.

Doctors who participated in demonstrations in Nairobi and Uasin Gishu counties called for the immediate resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, accusing her of ignoring their plight and grievances, even as they vowed to extend the industrial action until all their demands are met.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, who led the doctors in a march to Afya House in the capital, said;

“We will not stop until our demands are met. None of us will yield to their threats, because we know that when we’re united, we will not beg but bargain; they must post interns.”

In Uasin Gishu County, hundreds of doctors led by KMPDU Rift Valley Secretary General Jackson Kimonzi failed to report to hospitals and other health facilities as they demonstrated in Eldoret town and its environs for more than five hours.

The demonstrations led to the blocking of major roads, causing heavy traffic.

“Tutarudi kazi siku watatimiza matakwa yetu,” said Kimonzi.

In Kisii County, KMPDU Nyanza Secretary General Aggrey Orwenyo said the health crisis in the region is worsening, calling upon the Health CS to intervene.

“The CS Nakhumicha is not serious with her docket, and is taking the doctors’ strike as a small issue,” said Orwenyo.

In the neighbouring Nyamira County, Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria said the government was ready to resolve the stalemate.