By Peter Ochieng
Doctors have ended their strike, after 56 days of industrial action that crippled medical services in public health facilities across the country.
The strike has been called off, after the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) signed a return-to-work formula.
The deal was signed by Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha on behalf of the national governmnet, and Dr Davji Atellah on behalf of KMPDU.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Labour CS Florence Bore and her Public Service counterpart Moses Kuria, were among those who witnessed the historic occassion.
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru who doubles up as Chaiperson of the Council of Governors (COG),Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki who is the chairman of the health committee in the COG, and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga were also present.
The good news comes after the Employment and Labour Relations Court ordered the union and the government, to craft an agreeable return-to-work formula by Wednesday.
Doctors went on strike on March 14, to push for among others, implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), among other grievances.
KMPDU insisted that medical interns be paid Sh206, 000 per month, while the government remained adamant that it can only afford Sh70,000 for the interns, making the strike and the talks to drag on.
