A prolonged standoff between the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and government representatives has cast doubt on the implementation of a court-ordered return-to-work formula aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by doctors.
The latest developments emerged following a marathon six-hour meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) VIP room, where tensions flared as differing positions within the KMPDU leadership and government negotiators stymied progress toward a resolution.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that internal strife within the KMPDU leadership played a significant role in derailing the signing of the return-to-work agreement, which had been mandated by the courts to end the 52-day-long strike that has severely impacted healthcare services across the country.
During the meeting, a faction within the KMPDU was reportedly prepared to endorse the proposed return-to-work document immediately, while another faction insisted on delaying the signing until Monday, coinciding with the court’s deadline for submission.
Secretary General Davji Atella’s announcement of modified demands, differing from the court-submitted document, heightened tensions and led to a standoff with government representatives, who were keen on adhering to the court’s directive.
Central to the impasse were disagreements over timelines for critical provisions, notably the comprehensive medical cover, with doctors advocating for a 60-day timeline, while the Council of Governors (CoG) proposed a 90-day period to accommodate procurement processes.
Amid escalating tensions, the KMPDU leadership requested intermittent breaks to consult on the negotiations, culminating in an internal fallout that delayed proceedings and prompted a declaration by SG Davji that the union would only commit to signing the agreement on Monday, pending internal consensus.
However, the government’s position swiftly diverged, with officials announcing their intention to disregard the proposed Monday signing and proceed independently with their part of the agreement, citing perceived insincerity and obstructionism from the doctors’ council.
In a press conference held late Friday evening, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and CoG Health Committee Chairperson Governor Muthomi Njuki expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations and signaled the government’s intent to seek court approval for disciplinary actions, including possible dismissals, against striking doctors.
The breakdown in talks has underscored broader challenges in reaching a sustainable resolution, with government officials lamenting the protracted disruption of essential healthcare services and emphasizing the need for decisive action to restore normalcy.
In response to the unfolding crisis, stakeholders await further developments as both parties are summoned back to court to address the deadlock and chart a path forward in resolving the protracted labor dispute that has severely strained the country’s healthcare system.
