The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has called for the immediate creation of Works Councils at national and county levels, saying stronger labour relations could help end the cycle of strikes disrupting health services.
In a statement issued on Thursday, KMA said the repeated industrial action by health workers pointed to “systemic governance failures”, blaming delayed implementation of negotiated agreements, inconsistent engagement with workers and weak systems for settling disputes.
The association said the continued disruption of public health services was putting patients, especially vulnerable groups, at risk and could undermine progress made towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Recurring strikes are evidence of systemic governance failures,” KMA said, adding that the current pattern of industrial unrest was “not acceptable”.
KMA said the National Government and county governments, as employers, have a responsibility to put in place labour relations systems that support regular engagement with health workers, ensure agreements are implemented on time and allow disputes to be addressed before they lead to strikes.
The association proposed Works Councils as formal forums that would bring together employers, health worker unions, professional associations and government agencies.
“Properly constituted Works Councils should provide a mechanism for consultation, monitoring implementation of agreements, identifying emerging workforce challenges, and resolving disputes before they escalate into industrial action,” it said.
KMA wants the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors and Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council (KHHRAC) to take the lead in developing standard frameworks to guide the councils at both levels of government.
It has also called for National and County Works Councils to be convened immediately to address the ongoing dispute and create a system for continuous engagement between health workers and their employers.
The association further wants the government to publish the implementation status of existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and other negotiated commitments, saying this would improve transparency and accountability.
KMA has proposed a joint implementation committee bringing together the government, health worker unions, professional associations, KHHRAC and other stakeholders to track agreed commitments and deal with emerging disputes.
“The current nurses strike should mark a turning point in reforming labour relations within Kenya's health sector,” KMA said.
“Sustainable industrial harmony will not be achieved through repeated crisis negotiations, but through strong institutions, predictable dialogue, mutual accountability, and respect for negotiated commitments.”
The association has also urged all parties involved in the dispute to ensure emergency and life-saving health services continue while negotiations are ongoing.
KMA said Kenya could not afford to lose gains made towards UHC because of labour relations problems that could be prevented through better dialogue and stronger systems.
The statement comes as nurses and midwives continue with their nationwide strike and prepare to demonstrate at the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) offices in Nairobi.
The union has maintained that the strike will continue until the SRC issues a letter of no objection to the 2017 CBA, paving the way for its registration at the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Nurses and midwives are expected to gather at Green Park in Nairobi today before marching to the SRC offices.
The union has also announced plans for another demonstration in Kisii following an alleged attack on health workers during a protest.