Kenyan doctors reach deal with government to end strike

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Wednesday signed a return-to-work agreement with the government, bringing an end to a strike that has paralyzed the country's health care system for the past 54 days.

Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha signed the deal with the doctors in the presence of the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and Labour Minister Florence Bore.

"Today marks a new beginning, I want to urge all of us for now, to focus on service delivery and make your rightful contribution to the realization of universal health coverage," Nakhumicha told reporters. "The country has waited anxiously for 54 days to see you back to work."

Specific details of the agreement were not disclosed immediately.

The doctors had begun a strike in mid-March over grievances on salary increases, improved working conditions, and the hiring of additional medical personnel.

The government had accused the union, which represents more than 7,000 members, of being unreasonable in their demands.

The union, however, maintained it was fighting for the basic rights of health care workers.