Medics have begun a nationwide strike that could see patients suffer if the stalemate is not unlocked as soon as possible.
The nurses and doctors want the government to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) they signed in June 2013.
They issued a 21-day strike notice on November 14, 2016.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu on Sunday evening urged the health workers to resume duties as the government looks into their grievances.
Medics are pushing for review of job groups, promotions, deployment and transfer of medical officers, as well as remuneration, according to the inked CBA.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) general secretary Dr Fredrick Olunga said health workers are keeping off hospitals because the government has dishonoured the 2013 CBA for three years.
“We cannot continue to work in an environment which does not support growth of staff. We will support this strike because we want to demand our rights and we will not relent until we are heard,” Dr Kagona told Nation on Monday.
The medics want the government to employ 1,200 more staff to address the poor doctor-patient ratio.
Currently, the ratio is at 1:16,000.