Doctors in Nyamira have now issued a 7-day strike notice over the county government’s alleged failure to remit their December 2022 and January 2023 salaries.

The doctors, in a letter to the county’s Head of Public Service on Wednesday through the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), argued that this is against the Constitution.

They also lamented that besides perennial salary delays, they’re also understaffed at the county facilities and have not been promoted to their right designations.

KMPDU Nyanza branch Secretary General Dr. Aggrey Orwenyo, in the letter, further added that the doctors National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) contributions are in arrears.

“We note with great displeasure that, despite being demotivated and demoralised because of being understaffed and not rightfully promoted/ designated to correct job groups, the County Government of Nyamira is yet to pay our members the December 2022 and January 2023 salaries and settle the by-products for the same. This goes against the Employment Act 2007 Article 18 (1) (a) and (b) which stipulates that employees’ salaries and wages should be paid at the end of the month worked for,” wrote Dr. Orwenyo.

“Our members have been subjected to an unfair labour practice. Hitherto, they have been unable to attend to their daily financial obligations as well as benefit from mandatory medical insurance (NHIF), whose contributions are in arrears.”

The KMPDU Nyanza boss hence stated that they had resolved that all doctors in the country will henceforth abscond duty by the fifth of every following month if their dues do not reflect in their accounts.

He also added that they will take to the streets on Tuesday next week if they shall still not have been paid the pending arrears by then.

“The purpose of this letter, is to notify you that henceforth, out members shall keep off their work stations whenever salaries and by-products are not paid by the midnight of the 5th day of the following month, to attend to their financial needs,” noted Dr. Orwenyo.

“This means services at their work stations shall be disrupted without any additional notice. Members shall resume duties once they have been compensated for work done.”

He added: “Consider this an unequivocal and sufficient notice to withdraw services should our members not receive salaries within stipulated timelines. Further, we hereby issue a 7 day strike notice demanding for the payment of December 2022 and January 2023 salaries and by-products before 2359 hours, 7th February 2023.”