The dispute between doctors and the government that led to the ongoing strike by the medics returns to court today with the parties expected to give an update on the progress of reconciliatory talks.
Justice Byram Ongaya of the Employment and Labour Relations Court had given the parties two more weeks to conclude the discussions.
When they last appeared in court, the state said it had already given its counter-proposals and parties were engaging to find a lasting solution.
The doctors are demanding that the government should immediately post medical interns and clear the basic salary arrears for doctors as per the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Those are the bare minimums. Those are things that have to be implemented,” Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union secretary general Davji Atellah said last week.
The union wants the posting of interns done immediately and the ministry to ensure they are well compensated.
The ministry had in previous responses said the posting and payment of interns would require Sh4.9 billion, funds that Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha says her ministry doesn't have.
But after the consultations, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei issued a statement saying the government had cleared the doctor's arrears and secured Sh2.4 billion for the posting of medical interns.
MP Oscar Sudi forgery case
Elsewhere at the magistrate's court, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi's forgery case returns for directions.
Sudi is accused of forging his academic papers and providing false information to authorities for the clearance to run for the MP seat during the 2013 general elections.
