By Lauryne Akoth
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday indicated that Nairobi doctors have no reason to go on strike.
Speaking at the funeral of the late Embakasi East’s father Hon. Benjamin Gathiru MejjaDonk in Nyeri, Sakaja stated that health is devolved and that the County Government of Nairobi is the employer of doctors in Nairobi.
“The Nairobi Doctors are going on strike yet that is not our work. Nairobi county government does not post interns. Nairobi doctors have the best insurance, comprehensive. Their salary is always on time.” He expressed bewilderment over their decision to go on strike despite having no grievances with their employer, the Nairobi County government.
“We told them very clearly you have no issue in Nairobi, and every county government should deal with their doctors cause health is devolved and there is a public service board. COG does not just employ any doctor. We are losing lives.” Indicated the governor.
The governor reiterated his statement on the absorption of KMPDU members whose tenure concluded with the expiration of the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services. He lamented that he had informed them of their absorption if they followed due process, yet they chose to pursue legal action instead.
Sakaja stressed that he had made a commitment to the people of Nairobi to deliver healthcare services, and he intended to fulfill that promise. He emphasized that Nairobi residents should not suffer due to the national government’s failure to adhere to the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
He noted that following his 12-hour ultimatum issued to Nairobi doctors, he was happy to report that the doctors had resumed their work.
” I gave the Nairobi doctors 12 hours to show up in our hospitals. Those who wanted to continue working in the county of Nairobi and I am happy to report after yesterday’s ultimatum, doctors have started to resume work, and we have checked the register.” Stated Sakaja.
He observed that following a routine inspection of hospitals such as Mbagathi, Mama Lucy, and Mutuini, doctors had returned to their duties.
” We cannot play around with the lives of people because of solidarity. There are better ways to show solidarity with your national union without endangering the lives of the people,” stated Sakaja. He urged doctors in Nyeri to resume their duties if they had no issues with the County government of Nyeri.
” Daktari sio polisi. Mgomo ya madaktari si kama ya matatu. Mgomo ya madaktari people die, and these are the people we are trying to provide for universal health coverage.” Concluded Sakaja.