Labour Minister Florence Bore has emphasized the necessity of constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Health and doctors to bring an end to the ongoing medical strike.
Bore stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to resolve the impasse for the well-being of Kenyan citizens. She urged all parties to respect the law and prioritize engagement through dialogue.
“This issue has garnered attention at the highest levels, and it’s crucial that we trust each other to reach a conclusive resolution. I appeal once again to doctors, clinical officers, and laboratory technicians to embrace dialogue,” she stated.
Referring to the provisions of the Labour Relations Act of 2007, Bore highlighted the legal framework available for resolving disputes between parties. She urged doctors to halt the strike and engage in negotiations with their employers, namely the Ministry of Health and the county governments.
Bore also emphasized the need for the union to guide its members back to work, facilitating meaningful discussions for a lasting solution.
“It’s imperative that parties come to the table with sincerity. Our ministry is committed to fostering social dialogue and upholding the rule of law,” she affirmed.
“We are steadfast in safeguarding the rights of association and expression, as enshrined in the Constitution, and in honoring Kenya’s international commitments.”
Bore underscored the urgency of ending the doctors’ strike without further delay.
“I want to remind the unions, namely the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPPDU), the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), and the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), that while the Constitution grants the right to freedom of association and industrial action under Article 41, this right is subject to limitations defined by law under Article 24,” she reiterated.
Bore urged doctors to comply with court orders from the Employment and Labour Relations Court and called for cooperation among all parties to resolve the issue in good faith.
“The resolution of this dispute and the attainment of a lasting solution can only be achieved through constructive social dialogue, and the sooner all parties recognize this, the better,” she concluded.
