A Nairobi-based public hospital has terminated the employment of 100 doctors who have been participating in a nationwide strike that has persisted for nearly a month, announced the hospital management on Tuesday.
According to the Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, replacement doctors have been hired to fill the vacancies left by the striking individuals.
Kenyan doctors initiated a nationwide strike in mid-March, advocating for improved pay and working conditions.
President William Ruto addressed the strike on Sunday, asserting the government’s financial constraints in meeting the demands of the striking doctors. He stated, “We must be realistic and acknowledge that we must operate within our financial means; we cannot borrow funds to cover salaries.”
Despite the government’s stance, the doctors’ union has remained resolute. On Tuesday, hundreds of doctors participated in demonstrations and submitted a petition to parliament, urging lawmakers to intervene in their labor dispute.
This strike echoes a similar event in 2017 when Kenyan doctors engaged in a 100-day strike, resulting in fatalities due to lack of medical attention. The strike concluded with the doctors’ union reaching an agreement with the government to enhance their remuneration.
However, doctors now claim that certain aspects of the 2017 agreement have not been implemented as promised
