Doctors
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has today ordered the County Public service board and treasury to stop salaries of 59 doctors who are currently participating in the nationwide strike called by the Kenya Medical Practitioners pharmacists and Dentists Union.
Addressing a press conference in his office today Kahiga said that the County will not honour doctor’s salaries since they have gone against the county employment policy, yet they are employee of the county and not National government.
“Today I have instructed PSC and county treasury to stop forthwith salary for 59 doctors. We have written them to show cause why disciplinary measures should not be taken against them, but they have not replied,” said Kahiga.
“Nyeri county has 169 doctors working in public service with 62 of them participating in the strike, only 3 replied to show cause letters sent to them, their salaries have since been stopped,” he continued.
Kahiga said that after dismissal the county will embark on employment of new doctors.
The governor who was flanked by senior officials in his government faulted the doctor’s saying that instead of resorting to industrial action they should have negotiated with counties who are their employers.
“This strike according to us in the council of governors is out of order, to start with doctors are employed by counties so there is no way their union can negotiate with national government but instead should engage the 47 counties,” said Kahiga.
Kahiga said as county boss he will not negotiate with officials of Kenya Union of Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union from national office but local chapter which he said has the mandate.
Doctor’s strike has entered its 25th day today with many Kenyans suffering as they seek services from private hospitals.