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Nyamira doctors yesterday downed tools to protest of what they say is failure by the county government to address their grievances.

Among the issues they are protesting is delayed promotions, poor working conditions and understaffing.
They accused the county government of ignoring their complaints.

Critical services at the county referral hospital and the five sub-county hospitals were paralyzed for the better part of the day.

The most affected sub-counties were Manga, Ekerenyo, Gesima, Borabu and Keroka where patients who needed specialised treatment were referred to health facilities in neighbouring counties and private hospitals.

Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) branch chairman Dr Onyango Ondonga vowed not to call off the strike unless their demands are met.

“Our doctors have not been promoted for the last ten years as per the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement(CBA) with the county government,” Ondonga told the press outside Nyamira County Referral Hospital.

He accused Governor Amos Nyaribo of being disrespectful and sly every time they want to engage him about the welfare of members.

“Let Governor Nyaribo be told that enough is enough. We are now downing our tools until all our demands are made,” he added.

County secretary Jack Magara denied that the Governor had refused to give audience to the doctors.
He said the Governor had planned a meeting with the doctors today to listen to their grievances.

“Some doctors led by the branch chairman and the secretary met the Governor in his office yesterday and agreed to have another meeting today to discuss more about their challenges,” he said.

He added: “It’s true that some doctors are on strike and that is why a meeting has been organised with the governor so that their issues can be addressed,” Magara told People Daily.