The governor had urged the striking doctors to resume work as the county works out mechanisms to release their delayed salary by Friday.
“It is unfortunate that the situation was allowed to deteriorate as far as this. I want to assure you that City Hall will look into the matter and you shall be paid by Friday this week. You can however, go back to work since our people are suffering,” he pleaded.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Ouma Olunga who led the protests to City Hall however, says the doctors will only resume work once all their dues are settled.
“It is all okay that he has agreed to listen to our plight but we are saying that we have been hoodwinked many times. We want to declare now that we shall go back to work only after we are paid. We will be monitoring our accounts closely and once the money is deposited, we will resume our duties,” he said.
The more than 200 doctors have been on strike over their delayed salary and unremitted statutory dues to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) among other grievances.
The Governor’s statement came even as the Employment and Labour Relations Court directed the striking doctors to resume work pending the inter-parties hearing of their case on Thursday next week.
City Hall had filed a petition under a certificate of urgency seeking the suspension of the industrial action until the case is heard and determined.
Nairobi County Secretary Robert Ayisi had earlier threatened to withhold salaries of the striking doctors if they don’t resume work.