Ruto to doctors: We must ensure services continue uninterrupted
By Joel Sang, May 1, 2024
President William Ruto has extended a reconciliatory hand to the striking doctors, calling on them to ensure that medical services in the country continue without interruption.
The strike by the medics has been a running crisis the government has had to deal with. However, the doctors have demanded that the issues they have raised be addressed first before they return to work.
In his Labour Day celebration speech at Uhuru Gardens on May 1, 2024, President Ruto, with a reconciliatory tone, urged the medics to ensure the medical services for the citizens are not interrupted.
“I want to urge workers, including our daughters and sons who are doctors, that we must swiftly address the pertinent issue at hand, ensuring that essential services continue uninterrupted.
“And our commitment to serving the citizens remains unwavering,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s comment comes after he initially called on the doctors to call off the strike, saying the government can only function within its means.
Then, he told doctors to understand that there is a limit to what the government can spend on their salaries and allowances. He acknowledged the value of the work doctors and interns play in the health sector but pointed out that the country cannot continue to live beyond its means.
Then, the President explained that the government has the funds needed to absorb all 1,500 doctor interns at KSh70,000 a month.
Ruto’s directive
Meanwhile, the Head of State also said he has directed the Ministry of Labour to activate various wage councils in order to resolve industrial issues.
“Looking ahead, to ensure industrial peace and manage disputes effectively, I have instructed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to activate multiple wage councils outlined in the 2007 Labour Relations Act.
“I have instructed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to activate multiple wage councils outlined in the 2007 Labour Relations Act. These include councils for seafarers and general and agricultural wages. They will negotiate minimum wages in different sectors, enhancing conciliation, mediation, and industrial peace.
“Kenya operates within the global context, and our competitiveness is key,” he stated in his May 1 speech.