Govt Hit With Fresh Demands as Health Workers’ Strike Continue

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) wants the government to establish a permanent platform for dialogue with health workers to prevent disputes from repeatedly escalating into strikes.

KMA says the ongoing industrial action in the public health sector exposes weaknesses in how the government handles labour disputes, particularly when it comes to implementing agreements reached with health workers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, the association called for Works Councils to be established at both national and county levels.

The councils would bring together government, health worker unions, professional associations and relevant agencies to discuss workplace concerns, track commitments and address disputes before they disrupt health services.

KMA said both the National and County governments, as employers, have a responsibility to maintain effective labour relations and ensure negotiated agreements are implemented on time.

KMA Wants Agreements Tracked

Beyond the current dispute, KMA is calling for a system that allows government and health workers to address disagreements before they reach the point of industrial action.

It wants the implementation status of existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and other negotiated commitments made public, saying this would improve accountability and allow workers to track whether agreed measures are being implemented.

Also Read: KNH Overwhelmed as Health Workers’ Strike Pushes More Patients to Hospital

The association has also proposed a joint implementation committee comprising government representatives, health worker unions, professional associations, the Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council (KHHRAC) and other relevant stakeholders.

That committee would monitor government commitments and address emerging issues, while the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors and KHHRAC would provide technical support for establishing and strengthening the Works Councils.

KMA’s proposal comes amid an ongoing strike by health workers, which has disrupted services in public facilities and raised concerns about access to care, particularly for vulnerable patients.

KMA Calls for Protection of Emergency Care

As talks continue, KMA wants emergency and life-saving services protected so that patients requiring urgent treatment are not left without care.

The association said the right of workers to fair labour practices and collective bargaining must be balanced with Kenyans’ constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health.

KMA believes relying on crisis negotiations whenever workers down their tools is not a sustainable way to manage labour relations.

Instead, it wants regular engagement between the government and health workers, with clear mechanisms for following up on agreements and resolving disagreements early.

Also Read: Govt Under Pressure as Kenya Nurses Set July 29 Nationwide Strike

Saying it is ready to work with the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, health worker unions, professional associations and other stakeholders to strengthen labour relations in the sector.

KMA warned that repeated disputes could undermine efforts to improve healthcare delivery and advance Universal Health Coverage if they are not addressed through stronger labour relations systems.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates

KMA calls for Works Councils to help address labour disputes amid the ongoing health workers’ strike. PHOTO/ FILE.