President meets doctors in Mombasa over strike

By Rose Welimo/PSCU

The government has offered to increase the minimum gross salary for doctors from the current KSh 140,244 to KSh 196,989 at full implementation at the current entry Job Group “L”.

The government at the same time offered to raise the entry level grade into the public service for doctors to Job Group “M” from Job Group “L” which is higher than the normal entry level for other public servants and recognises doctors’ professional training

This was revealed during a day-long meeting with representatives of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in continuing efforts to end the ongoing strike by doctors.

The meeting was convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Mombasa and was attended by heads of government ministries and agencies critical to the discussions – the CS National Treasury Henry Rotich, the CS Health Dr Cleopa Mailu, the Chairperson of the Salaries Remuneration Commission Sarah Serem[1]  and the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission Professor Margaret Kobia.

Doctors were represented by a 7-member KMPDU delegation led by the Chairman Dr Samuel Oroko and Secretary-General Dr Ouma Oluga. The KMPDU team was accompanied by a legal representative.

Government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensure equity in the nationwide distribution of doctors; continuous training, and a standard framework of employment across counties – including mechanisms for transfer of doctors and promotions.

Doctors on their part affirmed their commitment to a quicker resolution of the strike and committed to consult with their wider membership before responding to the Government offer on Friday.