馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
KMPDU welcomes government commitments on doctors' pay, employment, and CBA after high-level talks
via Tuko3 min read
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union KMPDU has welcomed a series of commitments from the Kenyan government regarding doctors' salaries, employment, internships, medical cover, and the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA. These promises were made during a high-level meeting chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Key agreements include the immediate activation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database IPPD code to facilitate basic salary adjustments under the CBA, and the inclusion of 2024/2025 basic salary arrears in the September supplementary budget for payment by December. The government also pledged to resolve salary arrears for Ministry of Health doctors dating back to 2017, with a progress report due by August 2. The deadline for Social Health Authority SHA contributions will be extended from the 9th to the 25th of each month to prevent disruptions to medical cover. Negotiations for the 2025-2029 Ministry of Health CBA are set to begin soon, with the ministry presenting its counter-proposal next week. Additionally, the government reaffirmed its commitment to recruit 2,000 doctors and will release a report on their employment status next week. Other commitments include appointing a Chief Executive Officer at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital within three weeks, which will lead to the absorption of seven pending pharmacists. Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga will intervene to resol
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The High Court has ruled that eight girls linked to the Utumishi Girls Academy fire will be treated as minors, not accused persons, during their trial. Justice Diana Kavetsa declared that the court will convert into a children鈥檚 court, emphasizing their constitutional protections despite the gravity of the charges. The Kibera High Court directed that the girls, connected to an arson attack that killed 16 learners, will be referred to as "subject minors" throughout the proceedings. Justice Kavetsa stated that the terminology used would change, asserting, "No one will call them accused persons. We do not have accused persons. These are children." The court will create a comfortable and safe environment for minors, handling the matter in line with requirements for children facing criminal allegations. Only the Director of Public Prosecutions and advocates representing the minors will be allowed in the courtroom. While acknowledging public grief, Justice Kavetsa cautioned against allowing sentiment to override due process, insisting the case would be decided strictly on admissible evidence and applicable law. She noted that while the minors face serious criminal charges, their constitutional protections as children are not diminished, nor does their status as children diminish the gravity of the lives lost. The court's task is to balance both realities without compromise.
Must ReadEight students from Utumishi Girls Academy have pleaded not guilty to 16 murder charges in connection with a dormitory fire that killed 16 learners. The minors appeared before the Kibera High Court on Wednesday, July 1, denying allegations related to the blaze that occurred on the night of May 27 and 28 in Gilgil Sub-county, Nakuru county. Justice Diana Kavedza ordered that the identities of the students, referred to as "subject minors," remain protected under Kenyan child protection laws. The court also barred media from livestreaming proceedings and prohibited any reporting that could directly or indirectly reveal their identities, emphasizing factual coverage limited to court developments. Following the plea, the defence team initiated an application seeking bail for the eight students as the high-profile case proceeds.
Human rights defender Boniface Mwangi paid a visit to veteran politician and former political detainee Koigi wa Wamwere at his home. A TikTok video captured Mwangi signing his book, UnBounded, before entering the compound. Once inside, Mwangi presented the signed book to Koigi, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the nation and lauding his steadfastness during Kenya's autocratic eras, calling him a national hero. Koigi, in turn, displayed his biographical book, I Refuse to Die: My Journey for Freedom. The visit included a segment in Koigi's living room, which is adorned with framed photographs of historical figures, regional liberators, and global icons of revolution and civil rights. Mwangi pointed out former legislator Mwachofi Mwashengu among the portraits. Koigi recalled being jailed with Mwashengu during their youth, highlighting the sacrifices made by his generation for basic freedoms. When asked for advice for the younger generation, Koigi emphasized that a life dedicated to advocacy is more fulfilling when one stands up for principles rather than surrendering. He advised young people to maintain momentum, stating, "It is more fulfilling when you fight than when you surrender." Reflecting on leaders like Ghana's founding President Kwame Nkrumah, Koigi acknowledged the challenges faced by contemporary activists and the moral imperative for the new generation to live up to the standards set by past figures.