University ordered to pay 12 doctors Sh41M allowances

Justice Mbaru found that KU had not paid some of the doctors who are employed at the university's health facility their emergency call allowances, extraneous allowance, risk allowances and non-practice allowance since 2017. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kenyatta University (KU) has been ordered to pay 12 doctors Sh41 million as emergency allowances for work done during the height of Covid-19 pandemic.

Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Monica Mbaru ruled that KU violated the rights of the doctors and ordered for their compensation.

"The claimants being doctors placed at a public hospital are entitled to risk and emergency call allowances. Allowing the university to continue holding the allowances is to entrench a culture of impunity in public service which amounts to unfair labour practice," ruled Mbaru.

Justice Mbaru found that KU had not paid some of the doctors who are employed at the university's health facility their emergency call allowances, extraneous allowance, risk allowances and non-practice allowance since 2017.

The doctors are Dr Joseph Muturi, Dr George Karanja, Dr Thomas Bundotich, Dr Edwin Mwathi, Dr Gabriel Kamau, and Dr Kevin Mugambi.

Others are Dr Harbaksh Singh, Dr Martin Waweru, Dr Joyce Mbogo, Dr Monisara Waitherero, Dr Bilha Kiama and Dr Anthony Njuguna.

The judge ruled that although some of the doctors had left employment at KU, they were still entitled to the allowances which they were not paid at the time they worked at the facility.

"The total dues of Sh41,190,000 owed to the 12 doctors must be paid within 30 days from this judgment failure to which the same will start attracting interest at 12% until paid in full," ruled the judge.