CS Cleopa Mailu: 500 doctors have resumed work

Nairobi, Kenya: Health CS Cleopa Mailu says 500 doctors have resumed work and 2000 are still on strike, he has denied claims that Kenya is negotiating with foreign medics.

The CS also gave directed that drugs in public health facilities that are not in operation should be distributed to faith based health institutions.

Earlier the Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya said that the process of firing striking doctors had started, The Meru governor said although county governments were in favour of doctors getting what they duly deserve, there were no funds to meet their demands.

"They (striking doctors) have a right just like everyone else. But we are beseeching them to resume services until such a time that the economy will be doing well to meet their needs," Mr Munya said at a Party of National Unity public rally in Nanyuki town yesterday.

A tough-talking Munya also said the country will not be held to ransom by the doctors, who are agitating for a pay rise and have been instructed to take the necessary steps to replace workers who do not want to resume work.

"We beseech them, as their fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters to come back to work or go home!" Munya stated amid cheers by residents who had thronged Central Park grounds.