There is a looming crisis in Nakuru's health sector after doctors issued a 21 days’ strike notice.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have issued a notice to the Nakuru county government communicating the intention to begin their strike upon expiry of the notice.

Read: Confusion at county hospitals as fired healthcare workers report back to work

In the notice signed by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah, the doctors have cited poor working environments, shortage of doctors, lack of medical equipment and delayed promotions as the reasons for the strike.

Mr Atella in his press briefing lamented the Nakuru county's failure to implement the contents recorded in their collective bargaining agreement 2017-2021 and their revised scheme of service 2016.

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"KMPDU wishes to notify you of our intention to institute industrial action effective 21 days from the date of this letter. This decision has not been taken lightly but rather in response to a series of unresolved concerns that significantly impacts on the well-being and rights of our members," stated the letter dated September 4.

Mr Atellah claims the doctors at the various hospitals in Nakuru are discriminated against when it comes to promotions noting that at least six doctors have stagnated in the same position for 10 years.

"We demand for immediate promotion and re-designation of all affected doctors to the rightful job groups, along with the payments of arrears for the period that they have stagnated," said Dr Atellah.

Furthermore, the union raised alarm over the shortage of doctors at the county hospitals, which it claims has hindered career progression and the doctors’ annual leaves.

Related: Health on Trial: We are understaffed and overworked, Nakuru medics speak

The union demands that the county makes arrangement on acquisition of the necessary equipment before the specialist doctors report to work.

KMPDU branch secretary Steve Omondi said the union is ready to engage the county before the expiry of the notice to work out on the solution in a bid to avert the strike.

"We are willing and ready to engage in an open and constructive dialogue to find lasting solutions to these issues. However, if the aforementioned matters are not addressed KMPDU will have no option but to commence its strike beginning 21 days from the receipt of this notice," said Omondi.

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Nakuru doctors issue strike notice, cite poor working conditions

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Joseph Openda