KMPDU notifies Police IG of peaceful doctors' demo on Monday, asks for security

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja regarding a planned peaceful protest by doctors next week.

In a letter copied to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, Kilimani and Central Police Stations OCPDs and OCSs, the Union informed of their demonstrations set to begin at 8am and requested for police protection on the fateful day.

“This is to notify you that we shall be having a peaceful demonstration on Monday 16th December 2024 starting from 8:00 AM,” stated KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah in the letter.

“We therefore request you to offer us security on this important mission. We shall abide by all the regulations and guidelines given by your office.”

Dr. Atellah noted that the protests would kick off from the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), then proceed to the Nairobi Hospital before culminating in a march to the Ministry of Health and Parliament buildings.

The medics say the march is aimed at compelling the State to implement the 2017 and 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) made between the union, the national and county governments.

“The picketing is intended to compel the Government to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreements dated 30th June 2017 and 6th July 2021 and the Return-To-Work-Formula (RTWF) documents dated 8th May 2024 made between the union, ministry of health, national government, national referral facilities; and the other one made between the union and the county governments signed by the Chair of Council of Governors, Chair Human Resource Labour and Social Welfare and the Chair Health Committee, Council of Governors,” stated Dr. Atellah.

KMPDU has been putting pressure on the government to meet its commitments to the health workers threatening to begin a mega nationwide doctors’ strike on December 22, 2024.

The doctors are protesting a range of issues, including poor working conditions, delayed salary payments and pay cuts, particularly for medical interns.