Kenya:Opposition Threatens to Join Striking Doctors on Streets

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya’s opposition outfit Azimio La Umoja has threatened to join the striking doctors on the streets should the government fail to stop the impasse, which has crippled health services in public hospitals.

In a statement, Azimio castigated President William Ruto’s government for ignoring doctors' pleas to improve their terms.

The outfit's leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, challenged Ruto to demonstrate his pre-election commitment to the health sector by allocating adequate resources to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals.

“The government’s inability to address the grievances of the striking doctors endangers the population's health and well-being. It also undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of Kenya's healthcare system,” read the statement in part.

Kenyan doctors have been on the strike for the last 27 days, a move that that has disrupted healthcare services, leaving many patients without essential care.

The opposition claims that more than 500 people have died as a result of the crisis.

The doctors on strike are pushing to enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed between the government and the doctors' union in 2017.

On Sunday, President William Ruto rejected the doctors' request for salary increases and intern allowances, citing the country's significant financial challenges.

Nonetheless, the opposition insists that the government fulfil any unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with doctors.

The opposition stated, "The Kenya Kwanza regime must honor any outstanding Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) between the government and the doctors' union. They must also invest in the necessary infrastructure and medical supplies to improve the country's healthcare services."

Furthermore, it called for immediate, substantive, and transparent talks between the government and the protesting doctors to address the ongoing crisis and find a long-term solution.

At the same time, Azimio called for the resignation of the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha for failing to end the strike.

“The Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha must immediately resign from office for gross incompetency in mishandling the doctors strike,” added the outfit.