Health services at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City which had been disrupted for the last few days are now set to return back to normal.
This is after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Dentists and Pharmacists Union (KMPDU) called off their strike.
KMPDU officials announced the end of the strike on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after signing a return-to-work agreement with the MTRH management.
Doctors at MTRH have been on strike since February 4, 2025, when their 14-day strike notice lapsed.
In a media briefing before the agreement signing, KMPDU national secretary general Dr Davji Attella said most of the issues that forced them to go on strike had been resolved.
Why MTRH doctors were on strike
Some of the issues which the MTRH management has agreed to resolve is the promotion of doctors who had stagnated in one place for a long time.
“Issue of contracts affecting doctors have been resolved as well as lack of promotions. Once we are done with this exercise, promotion letters will be issued,” Dr Attela said.
“The issue of discrimination and access to medical cover had also been addressed,” he added.
Failure to remit statutory deductions was also one of the issues raised by the doctors.
The MTRH management has committed to remit the deductions once the money is disbursed to them by the National Treasury.
With the signing of the return-to-work agreement, doctors at the second largest public health facility are now expected to be back to work immediately.
KMPDU expressed optimism that the hospital will keep its end of bargain.
“We believe the commitment will be implemented to the fullest. With all honesty, we don’t expect to back here anytime soon with a strike,” the KMPDU boss said.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Phillip Kirwa signed the agreement on behalf of the hospital with Dr Attela signing for the doctors union.
Uasin Gishu clinical officers end strike
Meanwhile, clinical officers in Uasin Gishu County have officially ended their strike and resumed duty following an agreement with the county government to address concerns over delayed promotions.
In a meeting with Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, CECM for health services Dr. Abraham Serem, and Chief Officer for preventive and promotive Dr. Paul Wangwe, a resolution was reached to fast-track the promotions and ensure a sustainable solution to the grievances raised.
Governor Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving the matter while acknowledging the officers’ role in strengthening healthcare services.
“Let’s get back to work. Our residents deserve better, and we have that obligation. Let’s promote dialogue to find lasting solutions,” the governor stated.
CECM Abraham Serem echoed the Governor’s sentiments saying, “let’s be cognizant of the Governor Dr. Bii’s commitment to addressing issues affecting healthcare workers as well as the residents’ desire for quality, timely services”
Chief Officer Dr. Wangwe added, “Let’s embrace dialogue to achieve lasting solutions. Under Governor Bii’s leadership, we are working hard to ensure our residents receive the best care.”
