In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- President William Ruto has rejected doctors’ demands for salary increases, citing Kenya’s significant wage bill and the need for fiscal responsibility.
- Despite government efforts to address the strike, medics’ unions have rejected proposed solutions, complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial action.
President William Ruto has addressed the ongoing strike by doctors, rebuffing their demands for salary increases and interns’ allowances, citing the country’s significant wage bill as a primary concern.
Speaking during a Sunday service at Eldoret AIC Fellowship church, President Ruto emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, highlighting that Kenya allocates Kshs. 1.1 trillion annually, nearly half of its collected revenue, to salaries and wages.
With Kenya’s wage bill currently at 47% of revenue, exceeding the recommended 35%, President Ruto stressed the necessity for dialogue to reduce the burden.
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He emphasized the importance of responsible salary management to create more job opportunities for the youth and alleviate financial strain on the government.
President Ruto disclosed that the cabinet had agreed to trim the budget from Ksh. 4.2 trillion to Ksh. 3.7 trillion to align with the country’s financial capabilities.
He asserted that borrowing to meet salary demands was not viable and outlined the government’s plan to absorb intern doctors based on the terms offered.
Despite the government’s efforts to address the strike, medics’ unions, led by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), have rejected the proposed solutions.
The KMPDU declined the government’s offer to post eligible medical student interns, citing concerns over negotiation processes and the absence of legally binding resolutions.
Similarly, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) disregarded the Ministry of Health’s advisory for interns to accept offer letters, further complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial action.
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As the strike enters its fourth week, tensions persist between healthcare workers and the government, underscoring the challenges in finding a mutually agreeable solution.