Medics union calls out Kajiado governor over poor work conditions
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has given the Kajiado County government seven days to address alleged inhuman conditions doctors worked under failure to which they would down tools.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah, said the Joseph Ole Lenku led county was riddled with corruption and nepotism when it came to the deployment and promotion of medics.
He said that the demand for suitability is a scapegoat to bar doctors from attaining rightful job groups.
“Erratic promotion of doctors based on clannism, nepotism and favouritism without consideration of SRC recommendations has caused disharmony among our members in Kajiado,” the doctors said.
He claimed that a staff audit report that was commissioned four months ago had pointed at the County Public Service Board for abetting the unprofessionalism going on in the county.
Describing the conditions under which doctors in the county worked as “deeply alarming”, Dr Atellah said the system of doctors’ promotion in the county requires urgent overhaul following discovery that it was marred by nepotism, clannism and favouritism.
“We engaged with doctors in Kajiado to understand their challenges, and the situation is deeply alarming…It’s a plea for justice, fairness, and a commitment to a healthcare system that truly serves the people,” noted Dr Atellah.
“In light of these dire issues, KMPDU has issued a seven-day strike notice, aiming for a comprehensive resolution. It’s a plea for justice, fairness, and a commitment to a healthcare system that truly serves the people,” Dr Atellah said during a meeting with the KMPDU-Kajiado chapter.
He urged the county government to address seven challenges facing the local medics, among them; delayed promotions, unfair transfers, as well as use of financial disciplinary measures whereby he said doctors’ salaries and allowances are unlawfully withheld in order to get them to toe the line.
Punitive transfers
“Doctors face erratic and punitive transfers without the promised compensation, violating HR norms. It’s a breach of trust!”
Dr Atellah cited the area of re-designation where he said qualified medics are being asked to give bribes in blatant disregard for professionalism before they are allocated new designations.
“Most of them have worked for many years with no promotion. The county government of Kajiado has not honoured the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement,” the KMPDU secretary-general said.
He also warned that that the union would not sit and watch the cessation of training opportunities that has consequently disrupted health workforce development.
“Hospitals lack essential equipment and drugs, hindering efficient patient care and thus putting the lives of patients at stake,” he warned.
Dr Atellah also wants the county government to address the acute shortage of doctors in areas such as Kitengela, Kajiado, and Oloitoktok.
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