The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nakuru has issued orders suspending the ongoing doctors strike.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had launched the strike on September 26 after the expiry of their 21 days strike notice.

Justice Hellen Wasilwa in her ruling directed the KMPDU and the County Government to allow the ongoing conciliation proceedings.

Read: Nakuru doctors kick off countywide strike

She ordered the two parties to appear before the conciliator for fresh timelines.

According to the documents filed in court, KMPDU had filed a suit against the county government seeking to have it comply and implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement effected on July 1, 2017, under registration RCA No 220 of 2017, the return formula work of March 14, 2017, and the scheme of service entered as well as the content of strike notice dated September 4, 2023.

The doctors wanted their plight addressed before the expiry of the issued strike notice.

The county through Dr John Murima, the Chief Officer in charge of Medical Services in its response claimed to have adhered to the terms of the CBA and in the event of any dispute.

He said the County Public Service Board on September 19 was served with a letter from the County Secretary and Head of Public Service informing them (the County Government) that Mr D L Ekwam had been appointed to act as a conciliator in the dispute.

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A conciliation meeting Murima said was scheduled for September 22 at 9. 00 a.m at the Nakuru PCs office, when it was agreed that the next meeting will be on September 28.

Murima accused the KMPDU of issuing an ultimatum during the conciliation talks, seeking to have their demands met before September 26.

“These actions by the petitioners (KMPDU) are in bad faith and their hard stance seeking conciliation goes against the spirit of the CBA that seeks amicability in settlement of any disputes,” stated Murima.

Related: Nakuru doctors issue strike notice, cite poor working conditions

He persuaded the court to issue orders maintaining the status quo to enable parties to proceed with the conciliation process and resolve the issues in the presence of the already-appointed conciliator.

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Court makes pivotal ruling on ongoing Nakuru doctors strike

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Joseph Openda