This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
Christmas celebrations in Kisumu County, Kenya, have been marred by a doctors' strike that has left patients without medical care. The strike, led by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), began after talks with the county government failed to reach a consensus.
According to Dr. Kevin Osuri, the Nyanza Chairman of KMPDU, the strike will continue until the doctors' demands are met. The main issue at hand is the promotion of senior consultants, who have not been promoted as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Dr. Osuri expressed frustration with the county government's failure to address the promotion issue, stating that other counties, such as Kisii and Siaya, have successfully promoted all doctors as per the CBA. He also criticized the county government for requesting time until February to promote all doctors, which the union has deemed as 'lip service'.
As a result, patients in public health facilities in Kisumu County will have to seek medical care in private facilities or neighboring counties. Dr. Osuri urged the public to seek alternative healthcare options, stating, 'We are telling you that the doctors of Kisumu County will not be on duty, we are on strike. We are asking members of the public to please seek health services in private facilities or move to other neighboring counties.'
