Kenya government to sack striking doctors, medics vow to soldier on

The government of Kenya has issued an order to sack doctors who continue keeping away from work.

The government went ahead to pull out of negotiations to resolve the 95-day strike.

According to Kenya’s Standard newspaper, the government also withdrew a sh 600 million ( $5.8 million) risk allowance awarded to the striking doctors.

The risk allowance which was to be backdated to July last year, was offered on Monday night during mediation talks led by religious organisations.

However, union officials rejected the gesture prompting the government to issue the sack notice.

Reports indicate that the country’s main referral hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, dismissed 12 doctors on Wednesday and put 48 others under disciplinary action following their participation in the strike.

The strike has paralysed medical services in public hospitals and has been blamed for several deaths.

Earlier on Wednesday, Council of Governors Chairman, Peter Munya warned the striking doctors that the County and National Governments will start hiring foreign doctors from Africa and beyond in efforts to restore services in public health centres.

But, the striking medics have vowed to continue with their mass action saying the will not succumb to intimidation and threats by the government.