This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
On August 24, 2020, the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) stepped in to mediate the crisis between doctors in Nairobi County and the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) over six key issues.
KMA's Chairperson Carol Obonyo expressed the organization's willingness to work with the NMS and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists' Union, Nairobi Branch, to resolve the matter amicably.
“Please move with speed and resolve these six issues raised by our members. This will allow the resumption of healthcare services in Nairobi County especially at this time we are faced with COVID-19 pandemic,” Obonyo urged.
However, KMPDU Secretary General Thuranira Kaugiria remained adamant that the strike would continue if the issues raised by doctors in Nairobi County were not addressed.
“It is unfortunate that if everything is not sorted, we shall be escalating the strike from Tuesday, we might possibly hit the streets. It is day four of many and we shall not be cowed or intimidated. We are ready for this,” Kaugiria said.
Doctors in Nairobi went on strike on Friday, protesting lack of health insurance, non-payment of salaries, lack of isolation facilities, and lack of promotions among other issues.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Nairobi Metropolitan Service Director General, Maj Gen Mohamed Badi, have appealed to the healthcare workers to resume duty and allow room for dialogue on their demands.
