Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, KMPDU in talks to avert strike

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has signed a deal with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to avert a looming doctors’ strike.

CEO Dr Phillip Kirwa said most issues raised in the union’s strike notice have been resolved. He thanked doctors for putting their industrial action on hold to allow dialogue.

“We value the work of all employees and have not ignored the doctors’ concerns,” Kirwa said.

KMPDU North Rift branch secretary Dr Kamonzi Mulei said conciliation meetings are ongoing. “We will give details later, but talks are still progressing,” he said.

The union issued a 14-day strike notice on July 23, citing multiple breaches of agreements, including failure to implement a return-to-work formula signed in February.

Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah highlighted concerns over working conditions, non-implementation of agreements, lack of comprehensive medical cover, delayed salaries, failure to remit statutory deductions, continued employment of doctors on contract terms, and non-compliance with court orders.

“The working environment has left many doctors depressed, disillusioned and desperate,” Atellah said.

KMPDU is demanding full implementation of the return-to-work formula, immediate payment of arrears, permanent terms for contract doctors, and proper medical insurance. The outcome of ongoing talks will determine whether the strike goes ahead.