The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has stated that the government cannot afford to pay medical interns Ksh.206,000 per month, as demanded by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Instead, the government is offering a maximum of Ksh.70,000 in line with recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Koskei emphasized the government’s financial constraints, citing a limited budget and a dire economic situation.
“The government has no money, there is no money to pay Ksh.206,000, let them take the Ksh.70,000 that is on offer,” said Koskei.
“We are running under a limited budget, the economic situation is dire, the entire workforce may not get an increment, the interns until they finish 1 year…get the licence.”
As the nationwide doctors’ strike entered its one-month mark, talks between KMPDU and the government have failed to find a resolution. Key points of contention include the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the posting of medical interns.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore urged doctors to return to work and use dispute resolution mechanisms provided in the Labour Relations Act of 2007. However, doctors have remained steadfast despite government threats of dismissal.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah dismissed the government’s threats, stating that only the CBA would ensure doctors return to work. He emphasized the union’s readiness to continue the strike for an extended period.
In a further escalation of the crisis, the Kenya Clinical Officers Union (KUCO) announced plans to withdraw all essential services starting next week.
