Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and his Makueni counterpart Mutula Kilonzo will convene a meeting together with the doctors’ union and the health ministry to strike a deal that will end the strike, which is on its 44th day now.
The two, both from the Wiper Democratic Movement, termed the strike a national crisis, further highlighting the need to have both parties come to an agreement.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Sunday, they said they are concerned with the stalemate, and would like to bring the divergent voices together.
“We will be bringing together all parties on Thursday including chairpersons of various committees, the ministry of health and the doctors as well as other stakeholders so we end the health crisis,” Senator Hassan said.
“The way to end the strike will be negotiations not arm twisting and intimidation and thus no county government should threaten or purport to sack its doctors. Where will you get their replacements?” said the senator.
The doctors have been holding on for a Collective Bargaining Agreement that they signed with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, which will see them receive a 300 per cent pay hike.
They turned down a 40 per cent government offered that was presented two weeks ago by the president himself, which also included other benefits including a review of job groups.
Last week, the court ordered for the arrest of the doctors’ officials, after they failed to appear before court, with the warrant for their arrest still standing.