Health PS Mary Muriuki pleads with KMPDU to stop doctors' strike

Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni Muriuki has pleaded with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) not to proceed with the countrywide strike that is set to begin on Thursday.

Muriuki acknowledged that there is a strike notice that is ending today and pleaded with KMPDU to withhold the industrial action and seek alternative dispute resolution.

“I am pleading with the unions to come to the table so that we can move forward together. I am also pleading with them that they don't go on strike,” she said on Citizen TV’s daybreak.

The PS admitted that there have been unresolved issues between the ministry and the unions and that striking would not be the best course of action.

 “We have been meeting with the unions for the last one week to try and crack down the stalemate to ensure we progress as a country together. It is not in the interest of any of us, those in the ministry or the unions to go on strike or down their tools,” she stasted.

Muriuki mentioned that they have a mediator to bring the two sides together and hear the issues from both parties.

She acknowledged that there is a planned meeting for Wednesday, and asked Kenyans to exercise patience as they will attempt to solve the pending issues.

On Tuesday, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah announced that the planned industrial action will take place on Thursday since there have not been any developments regarding the demands that doctors have mentioned.

“It is sad that despite availing ourselves for meetings at the Ministry of Health, there have been no worthwhile developments to report to you, and tomorrow midnight, our strike notice shall expire and our industrial action will begin,” said Atellah.