Government Finally Signs the Doctors CBA

The National government through the Ministry of Health on Friday signed the Doctor’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) ending a protracted dispute that led to a 100-day strike early this year.

During the signing process, Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu and his PS Julius Korir on behalf of the National government and by KMPDU Secretary General Ouma Oluga and its Chairman Samuel Oroko were present.

The move comes after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) gave a green light for the CBA to go ahead and be signed by the concerned bodies after a number of negotiation had taken place.

The Secretary General of KMPDU Ouma Oluga described the event as a milestone coming a day before their 3^rd Annual Delegates Conference.

“We all can account for what a daunting task that journey has been. Indeed, each one of us has a testimony and a scar from that struggle, even experiencing a false start on June 27, 2013, when the first union CBA was signed but never registered,” said Oluga.

He stated that in the coming days, doctors will be signing the CBA with County Governments as soon it is facilitated by the Council of Governors.

Mailu thanked doctors for being patient and urged them to always engage in dialogue when addressing their grievances.

“The Ministry of Health is grateful to KMPDU for being patient and we are open to dialogue to resolve any outstanding issues,” he said.

The Ministry Health, Through the Cabinet Secretary, Cleopa Mailu noted that they were ready to work harmoniously with KMPDU for a common agenda of improving the welfare of workers.

“We are grateful to KMPU for being patient and we are open to dialogue to resolve any other outstanding issue,” added the CS.

The signing of the CBA is a culmination of a protracted industrial action by KMPDU for improvement of the welfare of its members.