PHOTO/standardmedia.co.ke
The doctors’ strike mediation talks have collapsed again forcing the mediation panel to adjourn the process of reconciliation to next week.
The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Law Society of Kenya yet (LSK), who were among key mediators, revealed that if by Tuesday next week there will be no change, they would table a report to the Court of Appeal.
In a joint statement to the public, KNCHR co-chair Kagwiria Mbogori and LSK co-chair John Ohaga argued that although the parties presented themselves before the Court of Appeal last Thursday, the process of mediation resumed at 2:30pm in the afternoon but the parties could not strike a deal still.
In the subsequent meeting on Friday, the doctors union said they were frustrated by the offer the government was tabling even after they (doctors) scaled down their demand figures twice last week.
According to the Standard, doctors accuse the government of not handling the negotiations in good faith.
“The union has continuously raised its concerns over the composition on the government’s side and whether its representation is at the highest level possible,” read the statement.
The doctors further said the government’s delegation has hampered their ability to negotiate.
“The government has not been represented by the Health Cabinet Secretary who continues to argue the case against doctors and the industrial action in other forums. Similarly, the CS for the National Treasury is not present at the negotiation table,” read the memo in part.
Earlier on Friday while addressing protesters, Health CS Cleopa Mailu said that if the negotiations do not yield any fruit, the state would use all means to ensure citizens receive health services.
“A dispute between an employer and employee should not infringe on the rights of Kenyans. Doctors have a responsibility to provide services to Kenyans even as we discuss the issues,” he said.