Govt urged to find lasting solution to ongoing doctors' strike

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Ojwang Joe

KISUMU, Kenya, Apr 8 - The national government has been asked to find a lasting solution to the ongoing doctors strike in the country.

Siaya Governor James Orengo indicated that the strike has been recurring and it is now time that the government fully addresses it.

Orengo pointed over the years, he has appeared in court to defend doctors' union officials but the problem has refused to go away.

"The national government has failed to resolve the long standing dispute involving the doctors' union," he said.

He says that four years ago he appeared for former Kenya Medical, Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials who were arrested while agitating for similar demands now.

Speaking in Nyakach Sub County on Sunday during a funds drive at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Orengo says the government has failed its citizens in matters of health.

"This government was formed on the basis of mama mbogas, who cannot now access medical health services due to the ongoing strike," he said.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, who hosted Orengo says despite health being devolved, the ongoing strike is a creation of the national government.

"County governments has nothing to do with the ongoing strike, let the national government come out to put this strike to a stop," he said.

The two leaders spoke only hours after President William Ruto emphasized the need for doctors to understand the government's fiscal constraints, stressing the importance of living within means when it comes to salaries and allowances.

The president's call slams any hope that demands by the doctors in regard to salary rise will not be effected.