Over 100 striking doctors in Machakos to miss two months' pay

At least 100 doctors in Machakos County will not receive their two months' salary following their 58-day strike with no resolution from the county administration and the Lower Eastern Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

Machakos County Secretary Muya Ndambuki made the announcement at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital, saying 85 new healthcare workers have already been recruited and reported to work.

Additionally, he said those working on contract terms have also been promoted to permanent and pensionable pay.

"As a regulation, no one who is not on duty gets paid. We have a few who are on duty and are also getting paid,” said Ndambuki.

“This current year, we don’t have any budget for promotions, but the Governor assured them the next financial year they will be awarded their promotions, and all will be sorted out. Anyone who reports back on duty will be paid, and that is the law."

The County Secretary insisted that the issues raised by the doctors were just delays in submissions of statutory deductions.

The doctors, led by the Chairperson of KMPDU in the Lower Eastern Region, Dr. Charles  Okumu, recently rejected proposals by the county government, terming them unwelcome.

They’re now demanding full payment of salary arrears and better working conditions.

"We will pursue this matter to the end. We shall be doing a major doctors' meeting to possibly relaunch this strike because, for sure, if we have not had any tangible results now then probably there will be no meaningful results forthcoming even in 100 days," said Dr. Okumu.