Kibaki urges striking doctors to resume work
President Kibaki has urged striking doctors to resume work and directed the Ministry of Public Service to conclude negotiations with the doctors' union.
In his address to the nation during the 48th Jamhuri day celebrations, President Kibaki stated: "I am concerned that the doctors have been on strike over the last one week. We need doctors in the hospitals to attend to the many Kenyans needing medical attention on daily basis."
He added: "I direct the Minister for Public Service and all those involve in finding a solution to conclude the negotiations. At the same time, I appeal to the doctors to resume work."
President equally urged the doctors' union to drop hardline positions in the negotiations.
"As we seek to further grow the economy, the Government will remain sensitive to the plight and welfare of public servants and other workers. We must, however, remain patient and understanding on the overall national wage bill. We must also adopt a give and take attitude during negotiations in order to avoid a disruption in service delivery in our nation."
Prime Minister Raila Odinga had earlier in his address appealed to doctors to end their strike and return to the negotiation table.
"We are looking into your problems, but don't let our people die," said Mr Odinga.
President Kibaki's back to work plea came a day after consultant doctors who have been handling emergency cases at public hospitals had threatened to discontinue their services should the doctors' strike not be resolved by Tuesday.
At the same time, the 2,300 doctors said the government should prepare for mass resignations should a court handling their dispute not rule in their favour. (READ: Kenyan Doctors threaten to resign)
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary general Boniface Chitayi said the consultants had decided to remain in hospitals in the hope that the differences between the doctors and the government would be quickly resolved.
Meanwhile United States President Barrack Obama saluted Kenya's “very significant progress” in implementing its new Constitution, and pledges that the United States will stand in “partnership” with Kenyans as the 2012 election approaches.
A statement sent from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated: “Together we are working to strengthen democracy, encourage greater stability and promote prosperity in Kenya and throughout the region,” Mrs Clinton said in offering congratulations “on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States.”
She added that the celebration of Kenya's 48th year of independence is “a time for all Kenyans to reflect on your country's many blessings and accomplishments, as well as the challenges that lie ahead.”
“As you celebrate with family, friends and loved ones on this joyous occasion, know that the people of the United States stand with you,” Mrs Clinton declared. “Best wishes for a year of peace and prosperity.”
In his address, President Kibaki presented a scorecard of his nine year regime and outlined future reforms to be implemented in line with the new constitution.
On devolution, the President said deployment of civil servants to county government was already underway.
"In fulfillment of the Constitutional obligation to support County governments, the Government has initiated a staff audit and deployment programme. This will ensure that various staff categories critical to the county governments are deployed to all counties," said Mr Kibaki.
