KMPDU decries delayed salaries for doctors by counties

12 doctors have been subjected to unequal remuneration in Siaya County. [iStockphoto]

A medics' union has protested discrimination against 12 doctors in Siaya County who have been working on contract.

According to Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, the 12 doctors hired between 2018 and 2021 have been subjected to unequal remuneration yet they are offering similar services like their peers.

In a letter to County Secretary and Head of Public Service, KMPDU Nyanza Secretary General Dr Aggrey Orwenyo says this is against the Employment Act, the Constitution and the ILO Discrimination, 1958.

"As an employer, the county government is obligated by the Employment Act to apply the terms and conditions under a collective bargaining agreement as the basic minimum terms of employment," said Dr Orwenyo.

The union said it appreciates the employment of 10 doctors last month by the county government. However, they demanded immediate payment of July and August salaries for doctors.

"This has left our members exposed to financial anguish and toxicity in meeting their daily basic needs. According to the Employment Act, it is an offence for an employer to fail to make the payment or render the wages earned by or payable to an employee as and when they fall due," said Dr Orwenyo.

The union said doctors in Nyanza were also due for promotion. Migori County had promoted only 17 doctors early this year.

In Kisii, doctors will have to wait longer after Governor Simba Arati froze employment and promotions for 18 months. Dr Orwenyo said specialist consultant doctors are demoralised since their pay is not commensurate to the services they offer.

He said consultants or specialists should be placed at job groups Q and above as per the doctors' schemes of service.