Government efforts to end the healthcare workers’ strike, led by a Thursday evening meeting between officials and the Kenya Medical Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), have so far proven unsuccessful.
The gathering, overseen by the Whole of Nation Approach Committee and prompted by a court order from Wednesday, concluded without a resolution after nearly five hours of discussions.
Both parties have acknowledged the lack of agreement but remain hopeful for progress in future negotiations, with another meeting set for Friday.
The KMPDU plans to engage with the Ministry of Health in the morning and the Council of Governors at midday before reconvening with the Whole of Nation Approach Committee.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court’s directive, issued on Wednesday, mandates the government and KMPDU to devise a return-to-work formula by Friday while continuing negotiations for an additional 30 days.
Justice Byram Ongaya emphasized the importance of genuine negotiations, instructing all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Kenyans. He also stipulated that hospitals categorized as levels 3, 4, and 5, including Mathare Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), must have essential medical personnel on duty to handle emergency cases.
This includes a minimum of two doctors per cadre, two medical officers, two dental officers, two pharmacists, and at least two consultants.
