By S, KNA
The doctors’ strike that has been going on in Embu County for close to two weeks is set to continue after talks with the County Government on Thursday over longstanding labor dispute collapsed.
The doctors, through their umbrella body, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had met for talks with the top county officials including County Secretary Amy Ruria and CEC Health Jamal Runyenje with a view of sorting out the dispute.
However, the talks did not yield the expected results for the doctors who maintained that there will be no let-up until all their grievances are addressed with regard to full implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed two years ago.
According to the doctors led by KMPDU National Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah, talks stalled after the county allegedly failed to commit to addressing long-standing issues affecting them including stagnation, non-remittance of statutory deductions, poor pay for locum doctors, chronic understaffing and lack of medical supplies in hospitals.
Dr. Miskellah noted that doctors would only call off the strike upon the signing of a comprehensive return-to-work formula, insisting that past promises from the county had repeatedly gone unfulfilled.
He said the situation reflects broader systemic problems in county health management, particularly inadequate funding and poor adherence to negotiated agreements.
The official warned that the health sector in the county risked collapsing as consultant doctors continue leaving in search of greener pastures, noting that 12 of them left last year.
In response, the County Government issued a firm warning that any doctor who fails to report to work on Monday will have their salaries suspended.
Ruria and Jamal accused the union of using the industrial action as a political tool ahead of upcoming elections, arguing that the strike was being weaponized to exert pressure on the government.
They maintained that while the county remains open to structured dialogue, it will not condone disruptions that cripple essential health services or put residents at risk.
With the deadlock persisting, health facilities across Embu continue to face operational strain, leaving thousands of patients in limbo as stakeholders await a breakthrough.