Crisis as doctors plan strike

Kenyan doctors are set to go on strike from December 5, saying talks with the government over their terms of service had stalled.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union accused the government of dragging its feet in starting negotiations.

The 2,300 doctors in public hospitals issued a 19-day strike notice. They are demanding a 300 per cent salary increase and hardship allowances.

The union boss Boniface Chitayi said so far, they had met Medical Services Ministry officials and nothing substantial emerged out of the meeting.

Failed to dialogue

At the same time, Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli on Sunday blamed the Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) boss Jacqueline Mugo of failing to dialogue with unions to avert strikes.

Mr Atwoli accused FKE of having a reactionary altitude towards workers and inciting the government against them.

“FKE should stop the blame game and take full responsibility for its inability to engage trade unions,” said Mr Atwoli.

Ms Mugo had earlier last week said the government was to blame for the “knee-jerk” salary rises among its workers.

Mr Atwoli absolved the government from blame and instead accused FKE of not responding to workers plight and disrespecting labour laws.