Kenya Kwanza MPs Insist Govt Can't Afford To Pay Doctors: "Ile Inapatikana Ni KSh 70k"

• A section of Kenya Kwanza leaders have continued to criticise doctors for their strike insisting that the government is unable to meet their demands
• The latest critics have been Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Kabuchai lawmaker Majimbo Kalasinga, who have held the government is broke
• Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka revealed the meeting by governors to find a solution, as Trans Nzoia deputy governor Philomena Kapkor said most demands have been met

A section of Kenya Kwanza government leaders has continued to criticise the ongoing doctors' strike.

According to Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot, the government has no capacity to pay intern doctors the KSh 206,000 that is being demanded.

''The truth is that, currently, where the country sits, we cannot pay a student doctor KSh 200,000. Even in other African countries doing well than Kenya, interns are not paid that much. We have said all we can get is KSh 70,000,'' Cheruiyot stated.

In solidarity with the Cheruiyot, Kabuchai lawmaker Majimbo Kalasinga said, the Uhuru regime left a wanting economy, which he claims President William Ruto is reviving.

''The government was left with nothing after the former regime, before President William took over this government, it was almost zero,'' MP Kalasinga said.

According to Kalasinga, the government has been spending more money employing new doctors.

''We agree, employing doctors is costly, but what is disturbing is the fact that doctors get employed on permanent and pensionable basis, but after two years, they take a study leave of seven years. Every year, the government has to employ doctors and spend more on doctors,'' he further added.

Pleas to end the strike

In a different tone, Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has called on political leaders with a medical background including Dr James Nyikal, MP for Seme, Dr Robert Purkose, MP for Endebess Constituency, together to find a solution for the strike that has surpassed a month.

''Am persuaded that if State House invites us for a brainstorming session accompanied by Dr Patrick Amoth, the Director General of Health, our combined medico-political experience will, in absolute good faith, inform the way forward,'' Khalwale said.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who is the chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly has pleaded with the doctors to return to work, as negotiations continue to end the strike.

''We respect our doctors and in all professions in the medical sector. In fact, without our doctors and other health professionals, our hospitals are buildings, they make them hospitals. It is their right, but they should also remember the government's money is still the same, doing developments in the country. We humbly request our doctors to return to work, as we prepare a deliberate dialogue, with an understanding that the country's resources are limited,'' Nyoro said.

Additionally, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'ah pleaded with doctors to end the strike as the implemented Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), will resolve a majority of the doctors' demands.

''With respect to our health professionals, they know the efforts the government is doing through SHIF, to improve health services in the country. Please call off the strike and reduce the suffering of lives being lost but cannot be recovered. Please go back to work even as we prepare for negotiations with the cabinet secretary,'' Ichungw'ah pleaded.

Efforts by county governments

While urging doctors to go back to work on Sunday, Trans Nzoia deputy governor Philomena Kapkor said, county governments have met most of the doctors' demands.

''In the last two years, we have witnessed doctors promotions, which is work in progress and we will do it. The issues with union dues of KSh 5 million, KSh 4 million has been paid and by September all dues will be paid in full. We have so far fulfilled a number of their demands,'' she said.

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka revealed the Council of Governors (COG) will meet on Tuesday, April 16, to discuss the matters raised by the doctors to get a solution.

''On Tuesday, the COG will have a meeting to discuss and contribute our input into the matter, On behalf of my fellow leaders, we plead you to go to work, our people are suffering,'' Lusaka pleaded.

The striking doctors are demanding reinstatement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of 2017, which includes hiring of intern doctors, better remunerations and working conditions.

Improved by Jackson Otukho, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke