The government has termed the ongoing doctors strike, which is now on its third week, unlawful, in the latest move by authorities to restore services in Kenya's ailing healthcare system.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior Prof Kithure Kindiki said striking doctors continue to "intimidate and threaten violence against health workers, who have opted not to participate in the unlawful strike."

While directing the police to take action, Prof Kindiki noted the striking doctors have "repeatedly threatened to disrupt service delivery" in hospitals across the country.

"Gatherings, protests or whatever other action(s) in pursuit of grievances outside the law and in breach of court directives undermines the constitutional order of the country and are, therefore, not permissible," explained Prof Kindiki.

On April 3, the court directed that the parties involved in the industrial dispute to engage in talks within 14 days and to lodge an agreement on the minimum service guarantees in Kenya's public health centres.

Last week, the doctors lobby KPMDU rejected a government offer of Kes2.4 billion that was meant to facilitate the immediate posting of 2023/24 cohort of medical interns terming the offer inadequate. They added that this doesn't help address their grievances with the government, noting that this amount will drastically cut the amount earned by medical interns to Kes70,000 from Kes206,000 per month.

Read also: Doctors reject Sh2.4Bn offer as strike enters third week

Medical interns posting

"All eligible medical student interns are urged to collect their posting letters from the ministry of Health's offices with effect from Thursday, 4th April 2024," a statement signed by the Head of Public Service said.

On Sunday, President William Ruto weighed in on the matter, urging KPMDU to call off the strike and accept the government offer adding that the government doesn't have the money to meet all their demands. "We must live within our means," Dr Ruto noted.

KPMDU secretary general Dr Davji Atellah countered saying, "As doctors, we refuse to be scapegoats for wage bill reduction. Our salaries, vital like any Kenyan's, are based on fair agreements.

"Despite government pressure, doctors' salaries, anchored on CBA, are non-negotiable. We won't compromise on fair compensation for our hard work. It is unjust to target ut for wage bill control while state officers enjoy hefty paychecks."

Further, the government offered to provide grants and scholarships for eligible postgraduate doctors but the union has remained adamant, urging its members to go to the streets.

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