Unions representing public health workers in the country have issued a seven-day strike notice after which all members will go on strike as beginning April 16, 2024.
The unions comprising of the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), The Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologist Officers (KNUPT) and The Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD) said that they had earlier issued a seven-day demand notice that was not honoured by the government and Ministry of Health.
The demand seeks fair treatment and payment of all members including posting and paying of interns, immediate recognition and absorption of their union members.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, KEHPHPU General Secretary Brown Achira said that they are the only three unions whose members are still at work and they are to stop soon.
“We want the government to sign the recognition agreement and it is non-monetary,” said Achira.
KNUP General Secretary Elias Mutuma stated that the government should focus and set priorities as health is more important.
“The government may build houses, roads and offer job opportunities to people but who will benefit if they are all sick or dead?” stated Mutuma.
KUNAD General Secretary Michael Odero said that the court ordered the Health Cabinet secretary and Principal Secretary to pay medical interns but they have not done so.
“The government has blacklisted the ongoing doctor’s strike saying there is no money while housing projects are being put up in the country,” stated Odero adding that they fully support the strike.
He further added that they were ready to be arrested as long as it is fighting for justice.
