SIAYA, Kenya July 6–The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Nyanza branch has issued a three-week ultimatum to the Siaya County Government to implement a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) signed in January 2025 or face a total withdrawal of medical services by July 21, 2025.
The agreement, signed on January 7, 2025, between the leadership of the Doctor’s Union, Siaya Public Service Board, Human Resource and Finance Department of the County Government advocated for; “Complete promotions and re-designations of all doctors within two weeks (by January 31, 2025).”
“Put in place a comprehensive medical insurance cover for county staff within three weeks (by February 28, 2025),” the agreement reads in part.
Seven months into the signed RTWF, neither of the commitments have been honored, leaving doctors frustrated while still in service and patients at risk of missing crucial medical care.
“Enough is Enough”
Dr. Steve Onyango Ndonga, Chairman of KMPDU Nyanza, expressed dismay at the county’s inaction towards their plight.
“It is unacceptable that after good-faith negotiations and a signed agreement, Siaya County has ignored its obligations. Our doctors remain underpaid, overworked, and without insurance for comprehensive medical cover,—a blatant betrayal of trust,” Dr Ndonga wondered.
The KMPDU Nyanza Branch chair further warned that; “If the County fails to act within three weeks, we will have no choice but to withdraw services. The collapse of healthcare in Siaya will rest squarely on the government’s conscience because the buck stops with Governor James Orengo.”
As the strike looms in Siaya, County remains silent even as efforts to reach Siaya County officials for comments were unsuccessful, raising concerns about their willingness to avert the crisis.
There are fears that the impending strike could paralyze the entire healthcare delivery in Siaya County, further exacerbating suffering for thousands of residents who rely on public hospitals for comprehensive care.
Final Plea for Action
The KMPDU Nyanza Branch urges Governor James Orengo’s administration to immediately implement the RTWF to avoid disruption.
“The ball is in their court,” Dr. Ndonga stated while adding that, “We demand action, not silence.”
