The Employment and Labour Relations Court issued a directive on Wednesday, instructing Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) doctors to resume duty immediately to attend to emergency cases.

Judge Byrum Ongaya, in his ruling, mandated KMPDU to ensure the presence of doctors from various specialties in public hospitals to manage emergency situations effectively, effectively ending the doctors' strike that commenced on March 13.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that both the government and the doctors had agreed upon a return-to-work formula to be implemented within 30 days.

The resolution comes amidst mounting pressure on the government, with lawmakers questioning the delay in resolving the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) issue. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha reiterated the government's efforts at the national level to meet the demands outlined in the 2017 CBA.

However, the impasse between the national and county governments and the KMPDU has exacerbated the healthcare crisis, with the primary point of contention revolving around the government's alleged failure to honor the 2017 CBA.

While acknowledging financial challenges, CS Nakhumicha assured Senators of ongoing negotiations for a new CBA, acknowledging the expiration of the previous agreement.

Criticism has been directed at the government for allegedly signing the initial CBA under duress, complicating the current negotiation process.

Dr. Davji Atellah, the KMPDU Secretary General, has strongly condemned the government's plea of financial constraints, urging officials to reassess their own salaries before citing a fiscal crisis in healthcare. "We are prepared to face this challenge head-on," Atellah affirmed, highlighting the doctors' unwavering determination.