KMPDU Gives Government Seven-Day Ultimatum Over Nurses’ Strike
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has given the national and county governments seven days to resolve the ongoing nurses’ strike, warning that doctors could also stop working if the situation is not addressed.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said the nurses’ strike, which had entered its 41st day, has placed an excessive burden on doctors. He explained that many doctors have been forced to perform duties normally handled by nurses while continuing to attend to patients.
Atellah warned that the shortage of nursing services has disrupted healthcare delivery in many public hospitals and contributed to preventable deaths, particularly among mothers and children. He said doctors cannot continue performing both medical and nursing responsibilities safely.
The union also accused the government of failing to honour existing agreements and court orders relating to the nurses’ grievances. Atellah called for the implementation of the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and criticised delays in fulfilling promises made to doctors, including a planned salary review.
According to the Ministry of Health, 458 perinatal deaths and 75 maternal deaths have been recorded since the nurses’ strike began.
The strike, which started on July 29, has affected public hospitals nationwide. Nurses are demanding better pay and allowances, promotions, adequate staffing, improved working conditions and implementation of their CBA.